Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, November 20, 1993                   TAG: 9311200063
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV1   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Michael Csollany
DATELINE: RADFORD                                 LENGTH: Medium

CAR CONTEST GETS MILEAGE FOR APARTMENTS

Carroll, the manager for Highland Village Apartments, lured renters to her complex on Robey Street by offering a chance to win a new car.

She said the strategy worked, and occupancy in 174 apartments is nearly 100 percent.

"I've got a couple of roommate placements. That's all that's left," she said.

Thursday, Carroll held a drawing for the red Chevrolet Cavalier and several other door prizes before a crowd of hopeful residents.

Ali Hebler, student government association president at Radford University, selected the winning name, and Carroll read it aloud: Lori Stone.

But the junior from Castlewood was not there. "She's at a test," a jubilant roommate shouted to the crowd.

When Stone learned of her victory, she was skeptical.

"I called my roommate to come pick me up from a test and she said, `You won a car!' I said, `Yeah, then come pick me up in it,'" Stone said.

"I still didn't believe it until Ms. Carroll gave me the keys.

Stone is a two-year resident of Highland Village, and she said the car played only a small part in her signing another year-long lease. Stone said she's "sat in the new car and even started it up," but until it is transferred into her name, it will remain in front of the apartment's office, Carroll said.

Highland Village is one of a number of rental properties that are offering special deals to attract students from the university to an area with an excess of housing. Some offered short-terms leases or a rent-free month; others included utilities or cable in the rent.

But Carroll, who feels Highland Village is at a disadvantage because it is several blocks from campus, felt the need to offer something larger.

This is the second year she's given a car, and next year, she promises to do the same. "After that, we're not sure," she said.

And the fate of the '90 Ford Escort that Lori Stone drives now?

"I don't know I'll probably give my old car to my sister Marybeth. She's just turning 16."