HOUMA, LA – ECI Group (ECI) announced the sale of Houma Highlands apartments at 461 S. Hollywood Road in Houma, Louisiana to Oakwood Capital Oakwood) for an undisclosed price. The 16-building, 378-unit community was built in phases, with Phase 1 completed in 2004 by another developer and then it was bought by ECI and Phase II was developed and completed in 2012.
“ECI is proud of our execution at Houma Highlands and the positive contributions we have made in the Houma community over more than a decade,” said Scott Levitt, Chief Acquisitions Officer at ECI Group. “We provided a continuum of integrated services at Houma Highlands, from development and construction management to property and asset management, and our team positioned it into the successful apartment community it is today. We know Oakwood will be brilliant stewards going forward.”
In October 2024, ECI received a $350 million infusion of equity from Almanac Realty Investors and continues to pursue acquisition and development opportunities in major markets in the Southeast and Texas.
Houma Highlands offers pet-friendly one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes with sophisticated finishes, including upgraded countertops, stainless steel appliances, and stylish flooring. Residents delight in an array of high-end amenities such as a resort-style pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and perfectly maintained green spaces.
For more than 50 years, ECI Group has been one of the most highly regarded, privately owned real estate organizations in the United States. The firm is fully integrated, with development, construction, investment, and property management groups that have garnered national recognition for innovation and performance in the multifamily industry. With a portfolio of more than 7,000 units located throughout the Southeast and Texas, ECI is strategically positioned to continue to be a leader in the multifamily industry.

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FORT MYERS, FL – CAPREIT, a fully integrated real estate operating company responsible for the ownership and management of more than $5 billion of multifamily assets, announced it has bought Coastal Village, a 200-home, 800-bed student housing community in south Fort Myers.
Situated at 19401 Skidmore Way, Coastal Village sits within a quick commute of Florida Gulf Coast University, a Division I college attended by approximately 16,000 students. CAPREIT’s acquisition of the off-campus community represents the company’s entry into the student housing sector.
“Residents of student housing want all the same things that traditional apartment residents want—namely, superior property management and white-glove service,” said Andrew Kadish, CEO of CAPREIT. “It’s that kind of touch that CAPREIT can bring to Coastal Village and the student housing industry. The relatively consistent and reliable demand in the student housing sector, combined with our desire to secure steady returns and significant capital appreciation for our investors, gives CAPREIT the perfect opportunity to enter student housing.”
With a portfolio mostly composed of market-rate and workforce apartments, CAPREIT has recently expanded into new verticals. Prior to joining the student space, the company entered the single-family, build-to-rent sector with the 2024 acquisition of Baldwin Chase in Greenville, S.C.
Coastal Village, originally built in 2004, is a pet-friendly community and offers fully furnished homes—each with four private bedrooms. Community amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, fire pit, resident lounge, coffee bar, private study spaces and an onsite fitness center. Apartment homes include upgraded kitchens with granite countertops and center islands, built-in desks in each room, full-size washers and dryers, central air conditioning and private patios or balconies.
In addition to the Florida Gulf Coast University campus, the community offers quick connectivity to the multitude of shopping options at Three Oaks Town Center and the vast recreational opportunities at Bonita Nature Place. Additionally, Florida SouthWestern State College is located 12 miles northwest of the community.

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KINGSTON, RI – Gilbane announced its collaboration with the University of Rhode Island (URI) to develop and construct up to 1,100 additional on-campus beds through a new, innovative public-private partnership. This initiative will address growing student demand for on-campus housing and underscores both URI’s and Gilbane’s commitment to enhancing the student experience at the state’s flagship research university.
Selected through a competitive proposal process, Gilbane will lease University-owned land to plot, finance, design, construct, and manage the new residence halls on URI’s Kingston Campus. With a legacy spanning 150 years, Providence-based Gilbane has a proven track record of delivering innovative housing solutions in collaboration with higher education institutions nationwide. This latest project highlights the company’s commitment to making resource-efficient, student-focused communities that meet the evolving needs of universities and their students.
Gilbane is pleased to partner with URI on this significant project, which reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the student experience,” said Zach Tronti, development director of Gilbane Development. “This collaboration underscores our dedication to developing high-quality, accessible housing that supports academic success and fosters a vibrant campus community. It’s rewarding to be working towards a project that will have a lasting impact at URI and in our home state of Rhode Island.”
These modern apartment-style residential buildings will provide a vibrant, inclusive, and academically supportive environment for undergraduate and graduate students to thrive. Construction is expected to start in fall 2025 following a feasibility and pre-development activity period, with the first occupancy plotted for fall 2027.
“Gilbane is thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with URI on this innovative project,” said Mike Busam, Gilbane Building’s Rhode Island Business Leader. “This is incredibly rewarding given our long history with the University, where Gilbane has contributed to enriching the campus over the past decades, constructing multiple facilities, including the Ryan Center and Center for Bio-Life Sciences, among others. We’re looking forward to returning to campus!”
The new project aligns with URI’s strategic plot, Focus URI, and builds on a decade of campus advancements, further cementing URI’s reputation as a top-tier institution that prioritizes student success.
“This public-private partnership offers many benefits to the University and our students,” said Abby Benson, vice president for administration and finance, University of Rhode Island. “The partnership enables us to address the growing demand for on-campus housing expressed by URI students. It also enables us to develop new housing on an accelerated timeline while ensuring fiscal responsibility.”
“CannonDesign is honored to be working with two clients with whom we have a rich history, URI and Gilbane Development, in support of URI’s mission to expand and elevate student experience on campus.” said Lynne Deninger, AIA, Principal of CannonDesign.

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