Reaction to New High-Rise Buildings in Downtown State College

Construction Begins on The Residences at State College Development

For years, residents in State College, Pennsylvania have enjoyed the breathtaking
backdrop that Mount Nittany and Tussey Mountain combine to create.

However, in recent years, an uptick in construction of new high-rise luxury buildings is resulting in mixed feelings from some locals.

The once baron skyline that gave way to Happy Valley’s spectacular views of mountain ranges and nature is disappearing.  Apartments and Hotels are popping up left and right, leaving residents such as Mike Miller unsure about the new trend.

Miller, who has called the borough of State College home since the 1960s offered up his opinion stating, “I think the hotels are a big difference, I think that is great for downtown… something new, reenergize, probably good for a lot of businesses being downtown.”

As for development of new student living, Miller had a different stance.

“Not so sure about the apartments because seems like one thing we do have a lot of in the area are student apartments and as I understand it, two more high-rise buildings are going to be just that,” said Miller.

Hyatt Place Hotel (Opened March 1, 2017)

As for hotels in the area, the brand new 16-story Hyatt Place on West Beaver Avenue is one of the more talked about completed projects.

Hotel Sales Manager, Keriann Smith, is pleased with what her building brings locally to the area.

Keriann Smith, Hyatt Place Hotel Sales Manager

“We were the first building in State College ever to be the first high-rise, I think it definitely started a trend of other high-rises coming up in town.  It’s been a great added benefit for ourselves being a hotel, we have great views, are able to provide guests coming into the hotel a good feel for the beauty of State College from a different perspective… this building really being as tall as it is has been a great addition,” said Smith.

The impact these new buildings will bring to Downtown State College is yet to be determined and will have to be revisited in the years to come.  However, you can definitely expect to see a lot more construction cranes when you take a look up into the sky from here on out.