What is Harless Center?
Harless Center is a nonprofit and community center attached to the Central Place complex responsible for marketing and leasing apartments and providing programs for WVU student and residents in the building with the following aims:
- To offer a safe, supportive, and exciting community and living space,
- To provide programs to students of all beliefs that help them grow in understanding of the diversity of faith and belief found on our campus,
To cultivate family‐like atmosphere among the residents and staff.
What kinds of activities will be available in Harless Center?
Activities in the Harless Center will include small groups, service projects, speakers/discussion series, game nights, movie nights, group meals, student planned programs, basketball, volleyball, video gaming.
How is Harless Center staffed?
Executive Director with an office in the Harless Center and student directors of care and programs on each floor.
What is the role of the resident student directors?
Their responsibilities will include: planning programs for residents, staffing the desk in the main lobby on a regular basis, and checking in on the residents of their floors. They are integral to the program as they will help set the tone for building and programs.
What do you mean by faith-based?
The vision for this community is grounded in the Christian practice of hospitality that seeks to welcome everyone and break down walls of hostility that divide us. It does not mean that you have to believe like us or even believe in God to live here. We see hospitality lived out in the apartments and community center through a way of living that emphasizes concern for others and the community through the code of social responsibility, the programs we will offer (weekly meals, speaker series, service projects, times to have fun and hang out, retreats), the staff who will be onsite to plan programs and provide support, and the space provided for groups to gather and meet.
Will residents be required to attend religious services or meetings?
No. Our hope is that Harless Center is a welcoming place where a variety of activities will be happening. Residents are free to choose whether or how much they wish to be involved in any activity taking place in Harless Center.
What is the Code of Social Responsibility required for students living in Central Place?
The Code of Social Responsibility is primarily an honor code between residents that emphasizes personal growth and responsibility, community engagement, and awareness of the responsibility of living in community. It is attached to the leases and signed by all residents and staff.
What is the policy regarding drugs and alcohol in Central Place?
Drugs and alcohol are not permitted in the Central Place apartments.
What if a prospective tenant does not want to sign the Code of Social Responsibility?
The Code of Social Responsibility is tied to the lease of Central Place and must be signed by all tenants. If this is not possible, we would be glad to point you to other Metro Properties in town.
Can leases be renewed year after year?
Yes.
Will my group be able to meet in Harless Center? Will groups with no faith connection be able to meet in Harless Center?
Yes. As space is available and if reserved in advance, the Harless Center meeting rooms may be used by outside groups for meetings; all groups using space in the Harless Center must also abide by the Code of Social Responsibility.
Are the apartments furnished?
Yes, the apartments are fully furnished. You will only need to bring whatever small furnishing items you prefer.
How will the building be secured?
There will be security cameras; residents will need key fobs to enter the building. Resident directors will provide staffing for the front desk during regular hours to address concerns, touch base with residents, and monitor visitors.
Are pets permitted?
No.
Will parking be available?
Limited parking will be available for $75/month. Parking will be leased as apartments are leased for 2016-2017. We are near the PRT and Mountain line bus service and a short walk to the downtown campus. You can rent a Zip car nearby if you want to use a car occasionally for grocery shopping or other purposes. So it is possible to live here without a car.
What other amenities are located onsite?
Attached to the complex is the Harless Center who will oversee the leasing of the building and provide staff onsite. They will also plan regular programs for residents and students to take part in. The Harless Center includes a full commercial kitchen that will provide a meal once a week for residents. In addition, residents and groups can reserve the kitchen for group functions. There will be a large community room with fire place, Wi-Fi, TVs, and gaming systems set up for residents to hang out in during the week. The community room can also be converted into a large dining room for meals and meetings. Each floor will have laundry facilities and additional small gathering rooms. There will be a prayer space and fitness center in the complex also. Harless Center also hopes to provide basketball or other game nights at the gym next door.
