Saint Louis University is getting some competition from outside apartment complexes interested in housing students.

Owen Development Company held their grand opening for the Crown Loft Apartments last Friday, located on the corner of Laclede Ave. and Boyle St.

The Grand opening was televised on KTVI Channel 2, the local Fox affiliate and played host to nearly 500 people. “It was the St. Louis party of the year,” said Owen Development employee, Steve Trampe.

Trampe described the rooms as “the finest run of lofts in town.” The rent ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 a month.

Lofts will have 2-3 bedrooms and as many as three bathrooms. The lofts range from 1,000 to 2,000 square foot, substantially larger than a standard 850 square foot apartment.

There is a kitchen in every loft, and many have 14-15 foot ceilings. The lofts are also equipped with ceiling fans, and 10 of them have built in skylights.

Trampe said that they can offer as many as three parking spots per room.

The opening of the Crown Loft Apartments continues the trend of apartment complex renovations near SLU.

The Drake Plaza Apartments on Lindell Ave. by the Olive-Compton Garage and the apartment complex on the corner of Lindell and Vandeventer Ave. have spurted up in recent years.

The apartments have yet to be completed, though they already have some tenants.

According to Trampe, eight rooms have already been occupied, and new rooms are opening each week.

There is a display model of the building available for viewing during open house hours from 1-3 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Owen Development Co. expected to have all construction done and all tenants moved in by the end of the year.

Trampe boasted that the apartments are conveniently located just two blocks from campus and available to any interested students.