An undisclosed number of students had to move into hotels after projected move-in dates were delayed at Highland Square, one of Oxford’s newest housing developments.
Construction began on the development, which is located off Molly Barr Road, in the spring, and residents were told their housing would be complete in time for fall move-in. Highland Square management referred The DM to the development’s public relations firm. Multiple attempts were made to contact the firm, but there was no response.
Some residents of Highland Square returned to town before the beginning of the semester to find that the majority of the residences were not completely finished. Sophomore journalism major Rebekkah Fields received news of the unexpected change – that she would have to move into a hotel.
“The community advisors who informed us were extremely nice about the entire situation, and they seemed to really care about how to best accommodate residents until we could finally move in,” Fields said.
According to Fields, Highland Square management has made efforts to compensate students affected by the delays.
“They have been really great,” she said. “It wasn’t convenient, but they were willing to pay for all residents affected to stay in hotels until move-in on Aug. 24.”
Additionally, Fields was given a stipend and pro-rated rent, based on the length of the delay.
Senior elementary education major Ansley Bartlett was also affected by construction delays and is similarly pleased with the Highland Square management’s response.
“Despite the pushed back move-in day, it’s been great so far. The staff and maintenance are really friendly, answer questions, and fix problems as quick as possible,” Bartlett said. “It makes me kind of upset with all the negative feedback that I’ve been hearing because they are doing a great job and deserve to be recognized for their hard work.”
One resident of Highland Square, who wished to remain anonymous in order to protect the lease, expressed displeasure with the situation.
“I didn’t have to move into a hotel, but when I moved in, my housing unit was not close to being ready for move-in,” the source said. “Multiple small construction issues like unsanded handrails, floors that had not been waxed and tile that had not properly been placed, exposing dangerous gaps in my floor. And they never sent me an apology. That’s just messed up. I think I deserve some sort of discount on my rent.”
