(Note: This story has been updated to reflect a change in the timeline for occupancy.)

Sheetz, one of the most recognized convenience retailers in the country, announced today plans to open a one of a kind, fuel-free location at University Place, a new student apartment and retail complex under way at West Virginia University. The housing community and market are set to open in fall 2014.

Paradigm Development and WVU, the groups involved in the public-private partnership to bring University Place to life, unveiled the concept Wednesday (March 5) to WVU students, employees and the local community in the Mountainlair. The 15,000 square-foot restaurant and grocery store will be built on the ground floor of University Place, located in Sunnyside at University Avenue and Grant Street.

“We are thrilled to have Sheetz as the anchor tenant at University Place student apartments,” said Ryan Lynch, partner with Paradigm Development Group. “This new grocery concept fills a void in the heart of campus and in the Downtown Morgantown area. Not only will students enjoy a modern, convenient lifestyle at University Place, but now they will be able to shop, eat and socialize there. We look forward to bringing new, vibrant life to Sunnyside with this project.”

The new concept Sheetz will serve as the first major retailer with grocery offerings in the Downtown Morgantown area in many years, and will be the first-of-its-kind for the Sheetz brand—triple the size of a typical Sheetz store with indoor and outdoor seating for more than 100 people.

The store will feature fresh food options like Sheetz signature Made-To-Order� (MTO�) subs and sandwiches, M-T-Go!� prepared foods, Shweetz Bakery�, and Sheetz Bros. Coffeez�, a full-service espresso and smoothie bar staffed by fully trained baristas where customers can order hand-made specialty drinks. Additionally, the market will offer a wide variety of traditional grocery items so students and neighborhood residents no longer have to leave the downtown area for groceries.

“This is a very special kind of Sheetz experience, and we’re thrilled to be at the University Place location serving WVU students and the Morgantown community,” said Louie Sheetz, Sheetz Board of Directors. “Students can expect all the same great things that they already love about Sheetz, including our Made-to-Order (MTO) quality foods, and now so much more.”

Set for completion in late fall 2014, the 950-bed University Place student apartment community will offer two-, three- and four-bedroom modern student apartments and townhomes, and will also offer a full range of amenities, including a fully equipped fitness center, private study rooms and ground floor retail space featuring the new concept Sheetz and other retailers who will soon be announced.

University Place features modern, independent living for WVU sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate and professional students, and veterans that is managed by WVU Housing. Retail amenities like the new concept Sheetz grocery store complement the community-based development.

“This is an ideal location for the new concept Sheetz– right in the heart of this modern student apartment complex that’s within a few short blocks from the Downtown Campus as well as neighborhoods and transportation,” said Dean of Students Corey Farris. “To live and shop here is going to be phenomenal for our student residents and for this reinvigorated neighborhood.”

Farris said the new concept grocery should also help reduce traffic and congestion in the area, and attract additional development, further enhancing this once blighted area.

Students can reserve their spot at University Place now for the 2014-2015 school year. For more information, please visit uplace.wvu.edu or call (304) 293-2253.

-WVU-

03/05/14

CONTACT: Melissa DiGianfilippo, Serendipit Consulting
480.250.4315; Melissa@serendipitconsulting.com

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