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Virginia Wesleyan, Franklin Johnston Group Break Ground on Coastal 61 at Oxford Village
Eight-building, 248 luxury-apartment complex expected to open on campus in 2020
University News | June 18, 2019
Photo Gallery: Coastal 61 at Oxford Village Groundbreaking
Virginia Wesleyan University and The Franklin Johnston Group broke ground June 18 on Coastal 61 at Oxford Village—a new eight-building, 248 luxury-apartment community located on the north side of campus on Wesleyan Drive.
“We are proud to embrace both sides of Wesleyan Drive, expanding our presence as we expand our programs and enrollment,” VWU President Scott D. Miller remarked during the event. “We are fortunate to be doing so in such a prime location, in a thriving city, and where it is always a ‘Great Day to Be a Marlin.’”
Expected to open in 2020, the community will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans, a state-of-the-art fitness center, resort-style swimming pool with sundeck, and a rooftop sky park. Each apartment will feature an open floor plan, fully-equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, custom crown moldings and trim, spa-inspired bathrooms, over-sized walk-in closets, and private patios and balconies.
Residents will be within walking-distance of arts, cultural, and athletic events at Virginia Wesleyan, and will have immediate access to Interstate-64, Norfolk Premium Outlets, and the brand new IKEA store.
“Coastal 61 means a lot to me personally, as I'm a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University,” said Taylor Franklin, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Franklin Johnston Group. “I remember going to college, driving past this site and thinking how under-utilized it was, and what a wonderful development opportunity it would be someday for the University...today is that day.”
Franklin is a 2004 graduate of Virginia Wesleyan and the recipient of the University’s 2017 Alumni Service Award. His father, Wendell Franklin, is a former VWU Trustee and Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of The Franklin Johnston Group.
“Special thanks to Wendell Franklin and his family, and to Taylor Franklin for leading this project to fruition,” said Dr. Miller. “Through this relationship, previously unused, but valuable, University land is being put to good use through an innovative relationship that meets the needs of the University and the adjacent city.”
Coastal 61 at Oxford Village is a public-private partnership between Virginia Wesleyan and The Franklin Johnston Group. The community will be open to the public and is also envisioned as a living space for VWU students, faculty, and staff. Learn more at Coastal61.com.