There are plenty of hidden-gem apartments in and around State College and Highland Tower is one of them. Located between South Pugh Street and Locust Lane and near Mad Mex, Highland Tower apartments offer ample space and a quiet environment in a prime downtown location.

Like most living spaces, Highland Tower has the ability to be transformed into whatever its residents desire. Alex and his roommates used this as an opportunity to make their space a unique residence complete with road signs, an (ex)-sorority composite photo, and historic images and posters from Penn State football past.

When you first enter, there is a large, framed, once-on-the-floor Chi Omega composite photo from 2012 – two short years before the chapter was closed. The residents found this vintage gem at Trash for Treasure and knew it would make a perfect addition to their home.

Their walls are decked with street signs that depict “NORTH” and Route 144, the 109.3 mile highway that stretches directly through central Pennsylvania. The roommates also have posters of the 2005 football team and the 2008 Rose Bowl — the last championship game of the Joe Paterno era. And of course, no All-American room is complete without the addition of the American flag and flags supporting both the United States Army and Marine Corp.

The Penn State pride doesn’t stop in the living room either, it extends into their (co-ed) bathroom where a poster depicting former Penn State linebacker great, Mike Hull, is hung on the wall.

As opposed to the normally small and crammed kitchens found in State College apartments, their kitchen is nothing short of incredible. Complete with stainless steel appliances, new cabinetry, a dining table, and wood floors, this kitchen is sure to turn anyone’s head.

The insane decor doesn’t stop on the indoors. Their apartment is complete with a back balcony furnished with a leather futon and carpeted with nothing other than green artificial grass.

Alex and his roommates are living in comfort and style, the Penn State way. With its spacious layout, new amenities, and low-key vibe, this crib leaves room for opportunity for any type of resident.

If you or someone you know wants to be featured on Onward State Cribs, send me an email. Your humble abode could be next week’s feature.