State College’s first condominium hotel redefines hospitality, ownership, and community investment in the heart of Happy Valley.
By Connect Happy Valley Staff
October 10, 2025 | State College, PA
A crowd of community leaders, business partners, and Penn State alumni gathered under a clear fall sky to celebrate a groundbreaking moment for downtown State College — the launch of the Nittany Residence Club, the area’s first condominium hotel.
Part hotel and part privately owned residence, the project represents a new model for university towns nationwide. Nearly half of its 70 units have already been sold, signaling strong demand and enthusiasm from alumni and investors who want to stay connected to Happy Valley in a new way.
A Vision That Redefines Hospitality
Developer Gary Brandeis, founder of Scholar Hotels, described the project as a bridge between resort living and the college-town experience.
“This is the first time anyone has done this in a university market,” Brandeis said. “It’s innovation that fits Happy Valley perfectly.”
He explained that the project will transform an underused downtown parcel into a dynamic mixed-use property, generating new tax revenue and tourism income.
“It’s a win for everyone — the borough, the county, and the entire community,” he said. “That’s what smart development looks like.”
Progress Rooted in Partnership
Greg Scott, President and CEO of the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC), called the development “a new opportunity to strengthen what makes our region special.”
He credited the collaboration among Brandeis, Penn State alumni developers Jim Venture and Jamison Morris, general contractor Fiori Construction, and KBB Real Estate as an example of the teamwork driving Centre County’s growth.
“This project will strengthen the ties between Penn State and our business community,” Scott said. “It gives people who love this place a new way to belong.”
Investing in the Community’s Future
Mayor Ezra Nanes applauded the project as a sign of confidence in downtown State College and a symbol of the town’s ongoing renewal.
“Gary is one of the most passionate advocates for our community,” Nanes said. “This project embodies our growth, our energy, and our pride.”
He noted that redeveloping the site will increase local tax revenue and support municipal services while giving alumni and families another meaningful connection to the community.
“How fitting that this happens during Penn State Homecoming,” he added. “It’s about tradition, belonging, and creating a place people can return to for generations.”
A Boost for Tourism and the Local Economy
Representing the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Eric Engelbarts reminded attendees that tourism is one of Centre County’s greatest economic engines. More than five million visitors come to Happy Valley each year, generating over one billion dollars in visitor spending.
“To keep welcoming them, we must continue to invest in quality lodging,” Engelbarts said. “The Nittany Residence Club is exactly that.”
He called the project a statement of confidence in State College’s future, crediting the development team and builders for their commitment.
“When this opens in 2027,” he said, “it won’t just host guests — it will host memories that bring people back again and again.”
Raising the Bar in Happy Valley
In closing, Brandeis reflected on the project’s deeper meaning for State College.
“These are not just buyers — they’re people investing in the community,” he said. “This project raises the bar for hospitality and innovation in State College.”
With shovels in hand and supporters gathered in celebration, the Nittany Residence Club officially broke ground on what promises to be a defining addition to the State College skyline — a project that blends Penn State pride, entrepreneurial spirit, and community connection.
Economic & Community Impact
At a glance:
Locally driven team includes Scholar Hotels, Penn State alumni developers, Fiori Construction, and KBB Real Estate
70 condominium residences nearly half already sold.
2027 opening planned
Millions in new tax revenue projected for the borough, county, and school district.
Hotel tax revenue will support the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, boosting tourism reinvestment.
