Spark Black Bear

It is very expensive but you do have great amenities. There is a pool, golf simulator, theater, pool table, fire pits, basketball court, gym, and more. However, there have been numerous issues with the amenities (theater / golf sim/ fire pits) not working. The fire pits did not work for a whole year! Some residence don’t clean up after their pets so it can be quite unpleasant to walk outside in certain areas. The internet is spotty and often disconnects numerous times a day. I had issues with my washer leaking / not working and the issue was not resolved for over a month and multiple visits from maintenance. It is an overall safe environment and there is a lot of food / stores close by. It is walking distance from Walmart. Parking is free 😊

After just three months (Feb-Apr 2025), we decided to move out early because we didn't like the place.

Before moving, we spoke several times with Keenan and Kyle about our options. They said the best route was to buy out the lease for $4,552 (two months rent + a $1,000 concession we received at move-in). We agreed. A few days before moving, Kyle called out of the blue to say they'd already found a new tenant and asked us to return the keys.

When we dropped them off on April 30, both Keenan and Kyle confirmed we owe nothing except a cleaning fee. After moving, the May rent was deducted from the portal.

Then, over two months later (July 2), Gates Hudson suddenly claimed we owed $2,172.87, including $330 in damages, even though we have video proof from the final walkthrough and utilities for May. When we disputed the charges, management stopped responding. They even tried to file a claim with The Guarantors, which was dismissed after we sent documentation.

Property issues: dogs barking constantly, paper-thin walls, creaky floors, unreliable internet, inconsistent trash pickups, smelly hallways, outdated appliances, and quiet hours not enforced with loud exhaust vehicles at night.

Bottom line: Think twice before signing a lease here. Prices are luxury-level, but the complex is not. Keenan and Kyle may seem friendly at first, but our experience showed otherwise.

The apartment looks nice but the quality of the build is bad and everything falls apart. The management will not respond to complaints, is difficult to work with, and will charge for every little thing. The walls are thin and the management does not upkeep the amenities. The trash service is nice and there are good amenities such as a pool, gym, playground, rooftop lounge, and golf simulator. If you get a unit on the river side you do have nice views of the river and Morgantown.

I am pleased with where I live because it is very close to Sam's Club, Walmart, the interstate, plenty of stores and restaurants, and allows me to feel separate from HSC. Additionally, it is a very quiet place to live with lots of families present that makes studying at home a breeze. The amenities are great and the traffic to HSC is not as bad as some make it out to be.

The apartment is in an excellent part of Morgantown close to I-79 & I-68. However, I do have to drive to campus every day, but I purposely elected to purchase a parking pass for 81S lot. The drive is never more than 30 minutes, which is when traffic is bad. Usually, the average drive time is closer to 20 minutes. Also, the complex is located in an area where there are many stores for grocery shopping or whatever else you might need. There is a Target, Walmart, GNC, Sam's Club, Giant Eagle, multiple gas stations, etc. The real downside is the price. It's not very friendly to a medical student, and I am only really living here because I am married & my wife and I are in a financial situation to do so. It would be a great place to consider if you had a roommate and wouldn't mind spending around $900.

It’s a very nice complex with a ton of different amenities, including a dog park, play ground and pool among others. It is on the expensive side but the amenities and how close it is to university town center make up for that a little

The complex is in a great location and has lots of unique amenities. The apartments are newer and modern. The staff is great at providing timely responses and keeping facilities clean. Pet friendly and kind neighbors.

If you are looking for a quiet living space, I would highly recommend Spark at Black Bear. The location is great for law students as the complex is located in University Town Center, close to various businesses for all your academic and dining needs.

I used to love BBV when it was still managed/owned by AB contracting. It was bought out by Spark and is now managed by Gates Hudson. Since the change, numerous amenities have disappeared. The new staff is not as friendly. I will not be renewing my lease here as my rent will go up to almost $1600 per month and I will have to pay a $500 "amenity fee." I love my actual apartment unit. The appliances are new and it's a great space. I just cant afford $1600/month for 800 square feet of space.

Truly most amazing apartment complex there is. The cost is entirely worth it given the staff and amenities. Maintenance orders are filled within a day, the complex is brand new, and there are so many extra benefits. There is a pool, 24 hour gym, tanning bed, golf simulator, conference room, business space with a Mac desktop, a coffee bar, a dog park, a play area for children outside, and a space with a bathtub to groom your pets! It is family friendly, extremely well kept, and safe. It is also a great location with plenty of businesses on the same road and is just about 12 minutes from the law school. Rent price varies based on apartment size, floor level, and balcony view. A better view, a top floor apartment, or a larger apartment will all increase price.