Demolitions delayed for WVU Sunnyside project
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Demolitions to make way for a $70 million housing and retail complex in Morgantown’s Sunnyside section are about a month behind schedule.
West Virginia University spokeswoman Becky Lofstead says Paradigm Development Group planned to begin by early January, but now won’t start demolition of run-down structures before Feb. 1.
The Charleston Daily Mail reported the delays are blamed on safety inspections and the fact that 12 people still live on-site. Most of the 39 parcels destined to become University Place were filled with private student housing.
When WVU announced the project in October, it informed students they’d have to move. More than 100 have, but Lofstead said some will need housing when classes resume Jan. 14.
The complex will include 265 apartments. Officials say it should open in fall 2014.