Park Point is open to the public. No RIT parking pass is needed. Stealth is required as this is a busy and open area. It's probably best if you go for it at night or during intersession. Bring your own pencil.
"We're doing this to increase a sense of community on RIT's campus," said Al Simone. "That way, students can have a place to release their energies after a hard day on campus and still be together with their classmates and see faculty and staff in a social setting."
Park Point is an apartment and shopping complex in the northeast corner of RIT at the intersection of Jefferson Road and John Street. Developer Wilmorite built the $72.7 million complex consisting of housing and retail space, although the property is now owned by American Campus Communities. The 636,000-square-foot development features 300 apartment units, a 40,000-square-foot Barnes & Noble bookstore and 40,000 square feet of restaurants, pubs and retail shops.
For several years, RIT had been looking for ways to add new housing to campus for students. As early as October 2003, rumors spread through RIT's student body about expanding an existing complex, or perhaps a new student housing project. In the Winter of 2005, RIT announced a plan for 'College Town'. College Town was envisioned as "a commercial venture that would bring a variety of shopping, dining and housing to a 90-acre parcel on the northeast corner of campus." Initially, the area was designed for use primarily by RIT students and faculty; but as time progressed, the idea of College Town expanded to include not only RIT and other college students, but to also incorporate recent graduates and the local community into Park Point.
The focal point of the property is Simone Square, named in honor of Dr. Albert J. Simone. Dr. Simone was RIT's eighth president, and was involved with the project during his presidency. He was inaugurated president in 1992 and under his direction, partnerships with business, industry, and other professions have led to RIT’s continued success. Simone helped launch Ph.D. programs in microsystems engineering (2002), computing and information sciences (2005), and color science (2007). He also spearheaded the addition of the Gordon Field House and Activities Center and approved RIT's move to Division I men's hockey.
The official Grand Opening of Park Point was held on September 27, 2008 in Simone Square with a free concert called Simone Square Bash 2008, and a statue was erected in the northeast area of the square in his honor.