Construction started last month on the foundation and pillars for a new housing development for the University of Nevada, Reno students. This marks the first student housing project built in downtown Reno south of Interstate 80.

Canyon Flats will be a privately-owned, four-story, 158-unit student housing project that will house up to 508 students. The L-shaped development will be on the corner of Sixth and Center streets, across from the Circus Circus Reno hotel. It will wrap around the Travelodge and Showboat Inn on the same block.

The Downtown Reno Partnership, which manages the business improvement district, is excited that university students will live in downtown for the first time, finally crossing the Walgreens bridge. The hope is that this property will spur additional economic development in the area.

Ken Krater, a Partnership board member and local representative for the University Housing Group developer, has said the development is an important step to spurring further development and foot traffic in downtown.

Canyon Flats has no plans for retail, though it is within the City of Reno’s sales tax abatement district. If retail businesses opened or relocated nearby, they might benefit from the Tessera District.

Once complete, Canyon Flats will offer fully furnished one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartment plans, along with pet-friendly spaces, a rooftop deck with a pool, 24/7 fitness center, study rooms on every floor, coffee bar, cable and Wi-Fi and covered parking.

Fort Myers-based Spire Construction is the general contractor for the $37 million project.

Canyon Flats is scheduled for completion before the fall 2020 semester.