A Conversation with Carson Parr and Josh Fishbaine, Nittany Residence Club Owners
In downtown State College, the skyline is waking up. Among the cranes rising from the concrete, one stands for more than construction, it stands for momentum. The Nittany Residence Club, a nine-story condominium-hotel, has already sold over one-third of its 70 units—two years before opening. The question is: why so fast?
The answer lies in emotion meeting economics. And for Carson Parr and Josh & Hailey Fishbaine—two families with deep roots in Happy Valley—the opportunity was simply too good to pass up.
Carson and his wife met as undergraduates at Penn State. Years later, they’ve returned often—with their growing family in tow—to relive cherished memories, reconnect with friends, and introduce their kids to the traditions that shaped their own lives.
“We had been considering opportunities in State College for some time,” Carson explained. “But as professionals with a young family, living in Lancaster, property maintenance just wasn’t something we could take on. It always felt just out of reach.”
That changed when they discovered the Nittany Residence Club—set to break ground this October and open in Fall 2027, right alongside the $700 million Beaver Stadium renovation. For Carson, it wasn’t just the perfect timing, it was the perfect place.
“The location is perfectly downtown and within walking distance to all our favorite bars, restaurants, and stores. The idea of having a home for game day and generating passive income when we’re not in town—plus having a team handle the hotel operations—was incredibly attractive. It made ownership feel hassle-free.”
Walkability was a huge draw. “Being directly across from campus, we can walk to the game, grab dinner at our favorite spots, or just soak in the energy of a Penn State weekend without ever needing to get in the car. That kind of access is rare.”
The Residence Club model offers owners the ability to enjoy their unit when in town and seamlessly place it in a professionally managed rental program when away. No upkeep. No Airbnb worries. Just access, revenue, and peace of mind.
“We met as students at Penn State. Now, every visit is a chance to build new memories with our family. This condo helps us keep that connection alive while also investing in a place we love.”
Carson and his wife graduated with degrees in architecture and biology in 2009 and 2008 respectively Today, they’re parents to two young kids, ages 3 and 1. Their children may be small, but their traditions are already growing.
“They’ve been natural tailgaters—throwing frisbee, kicking soccer, eating their favorite snack food. I love hearing my son cheer for Penn State,” he shared. “They both love to ‘go flying’ after we score during a football game.”
Beyond the memories, the couple saw long-term financial logic.
“Once we got past the initial excitement, we learned that the property is in a Federal Opportunity Zone. That means it offers strong tax advantages. It was the final push we needed to move forward.”
Carson emphasized: “There is no concern over property maintenance and no hassle in using the property for income generation when we’re not using it. That was critical—it’s the basis of our decision to become Owners.”
Josh and Hailey Fishbaine felt the same pull.
“State College is a special place to me,” Josh said. “I grew up there, made lifelong friends there, and even met my wife on Allen Street. Now, as an adult with children, I want to bring them back to experience State College and Penn State. That’s why the opportunity to own at Nittany Residence Club was so appealing—a rare chance to have a beautiful, low-maintenance condo that also serves as a smart future investment.”
Nittany Residence Club isn’t just a building, it’s a belief: that real estate can be emotional, that Happy Valley should be a place you return to and invest in, and that homeownership should enhance your lifestyle, not complicate it.
With over one-third of the 70 units already sold and construction breaking ground this October, momentum is building fast. Carson puts it best: “This is about more than real estate. It’s about building a long-term family legacy in a place filled with unforgettable memories—and countless more still to come. We’re investing in future game days, family weekends, and spontaneous getaways with the people we love, all in the heart of a town that keeps getting better.” Carson puts it best: “This is about more than real estate. It’s about creating a long-term family legacy in a place that already holds so much meaning.”
Downtown State College is calling. And if home is where the heart is, the heart of Happy Valley is where the smartest—and most sentimental—investments are being made.
For more information, visit https://www.nittanyresidenceclub.com/
