Lafayette and McGehee column: Virginia must address rural housing challenges

(RECAP: For the past decade, most of the discussion on affordable housing needs in Virginia has focused on our cities and suburbs with growing populations and rapidly increasing housing costs. Surrounding these metro areas, but, are rural communities struggling with a unique set of housing challenges. Like the rest of rural America, most of Virginia’s rural regions are no longer growing. Between 2000 and 2010, rural areas accounted for only 6 percent of the state’s population growth. And over the next decade, more than 90 percent of Virginia’s population growth will occur in the “Golden Crescent” that extends from Northern Virginia, through Richmond, and east to Hampton Roads. Considering these trends it is not surprising that rural housing issues have failed to receive the attention they deserve. We need to ensure that the rural housing crisis is not a silent crisis, but is instead one that we make a priority and work together to solve.)

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Sequoia Equities Acquires 367-Unit Green Built Apartment Community in Portland Submarket

TUALITIN, OR – Sequoia announces the acquisition of Eddyline at Bridgeport, a 367-unit, Class-A mixed-use apartment building in Tualitin, Oregon. This acquisition increases the firm’s Portland-based holdings to more than 2,100 units.  Eddyline was completed with the LEED Silver certification in 2015.  It is comprised of 320,505 rentable square feet in three residential buildings in addition to 22,414 square feet across 10 retail spaces. 

The community’s direct access to Interstate 5 and Highway 217 provide residents quick access to the central business district, while still providing a refuge from quick-paced city life.  Eddyline is located one block from Bridgeport Village, one of the area’s largest retail and entertainment destinations, with more than 100-upscale storefronts, restaurants, and grocers.  The confluence of Eddyline’s Cascadian architecture, high-end amenities, walkability, and environmentally responsible design, resonates with the property’s target market.

General Partner, Director of Acquisitions, Pat Reilly says, “Eddyline at Bridgeport presented an opportunity to buy a core suburban asset, with an urban flair, located just 15-minutes from Portland’s CBD.  Given the MSAs major employment drivers, relative affordability, and limited new supply, we were confident in the opportunity to attract and retain an exceptional demographic profile.”

The acquisition was facilitated by HFF.  Sequoia will provide the day-to-day management services for the building.

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Campus First and CF Real Estate Services Acquires 486 Bed Property at University of South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC – Campus First Student Living and CF Real Estate Services LLC, in joint venture with a large private commingled fund, have bought the Club at Carolina Stadium located less than 1 mile from the main campus of University of South Carolina. Campus First will be overseeing the management of this 486-bed property as well as a $2.7 million renovation. The property will now be known at Rivers Edge at Carolina Stadium as it is located adjacent to the Congaree River and across the street from USC’s recently completed upscale baseball stadium.

Campus First will bring their boutique style approach and expertise in property and construction management to reposition the asset into one of USC’s premier student housing options. As part of the extensive renovations, Campus First will be constructing a groundbreaking new clubhouse complete with a state of the art fitness center, private and shared study lounges, gaming area, a café, and large 2nd floor deck overlooking the pool and terrace area. Other improvements include a new outdoor kitchen, renovated Dog Park with dog washing station, two fire pit areas, enhanced landscaping and new signage. The exterior will receive a new paint scheme and other enhancements.

Residents will be pleased with the upgraded internet and cable packages as well as the addition of VIP premium suites. The new premium option will include grey faux wood floor, painted interiors, and completely renovated kitchens with subway tile backsplashes, stainless steel appliances, new counter tops and kitchen hardware. The bathrooms will also be updated and the VIP suites will boast all new modern furniture packages and new large, flat screen televisions.

Taking advantage of the incredible river location and direct access to Granby Park, the property plans to provide kayaks and canoes exclusively for resident use. The property will also be providing a new shuttle bus and electric bikes for use by residents to get to class.

“We are very excited about acquiring such a wonderful student asset and turning this living space into a premier Class-A property in the USC market through our plotted renovation program,” states Christopher Feeley, President of Campus First Student Living.

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