800 Block opens for leasing after multiple delays

After over a year of delays, 800 Block, an off-campus student housing site, is open for leasing.  

Owned by Nelson Partners, 800 Block opened for leasing on March 14 and welcomed its first move-in that same day. The grand opening came after building delays and postponed resident move-ins. 

According to a previous Statesman article in July 2021, after a year of construction, tenants at the time received emails from Nelson Partners that the original move-in date of Aug. 28 would be delayed.  

According to the article, the move-ins were postponed due to numerous supply chain issues and labor shortage.  

“Pandemic-related supply chain issues and delays were frustrating for our team and difficult for students who couldn’t wait to move in,” Jenni Walker, director of corporate marketing and communications for Nelson Partners, said.  

Paula Platt, the vice president of portfolio for Nelson Partners, said over email while 800 Block is open for leasing, the building currently holds a temporary occupancy permit. Platt said this permit will become permanent after landscaping is completed.   

“With the recent extreme weather around the university, we are completing landscaping and adding to the beautiful exterior of the building. We look forward to a warmer spring and summer, at which point we will open our hot tub and present our post-winter landscaping,” Platt said.  

Platt said with completed landscaping, 800 Block will offer a range of outdoor areas for USU students to socialize and study.  

Other amenities include private study rooms, individual washers and dryers, and a covered parking garage.  

With its location next to campus, Platt said they welcome students that want a pedestrian-to-campus living space. 

Over text message, Navie Powell, an incoming first-year student, said she loved her experience receiving an in-depth tour of 800 Block.  

“Their workers are super nice and ready to answer any questions. The building also has a super nice location,” Powell said.   

Powell said she ultimately chose to sign a lease from 800 Block because of its close proximity to USU.  

“It’s one of the closest complexes, and is located right next to the Aggie Recreation Center! It’s great for students who don’t really want to worry about parking and getting to their classes on time,” Powell said.  

However, some Google reviews show 800 Block is still facing criticism. 

“Has been under construction for 4 years, sold leases and cancelled them at least twice. My experience with the ‘management’ company have been terrible. They will try and take your money and give nothing in return. Avoid at all costs,” Andrew Walker wrote in one review posted at the beginning of April.  

While people have mixed feelings about 800 Block, Barrie Nichols, the vice president of sales and marketing for Nelson Partners, said over email they encourage residents to write about their experiences and to expect prompt responses.  

Nichols said some of the things the leasing team and staff are planning include fun events and providing package lockers to create positive experiences for their residents. 

“We have also partnered with Opinion for online review monitoring across all platforms so we can work quickly to resolve any issues,” Nichols said.  

-Savannah.Burnard@usu.edu

Featured photo by Paige Johnson