IRVINE, CA – Unlike the dull dorm rooms of the mid-20th century, contemporary student housing design is increasingly high-quality, tech-oriented, and anticipatory of the ever-changing needs of students, parents, and universities alike. Recent student housing design trends include suite-style units, living-learning environments, high-quality activity and study spaces, digital mail rooms, and social hallways. Despite the misconceptions that modular construction limits design breadth, modular student housing can be designed and constructed to look just like other buildings on campus, in support of the campus brand. 

“Modular construction has the potential to make these relatively repetitive developments even more efficient and cost-effective while meeting the tight deadlines we always face while working on student housing,” says David Senden, principal with KTGY Architecture + Plotting. “KTGY R+ D Studio has unveiled the ‘Mod Hall’ concept, which provides modular student housing.” 

According to Senden, “By constructing unit modules off-site while simultaneously completing the on-site construction, the modular student housing process can save time and money, helping universities to serve their growing student populations.” 

“Universities are finding a strong correlation between students living on campus and increased academic success,” noted Marissa Kasdan, director, design with KTGY’s R+ D Studio. “Students living amongst like-minded individuals tend to form stronger support systems, utilize on-campus support services, and experience greater academic accountability.” 

The modular construction can be made out of wood or steel, including purpose-built storage containers, Kasdan said. KTGY’s modular design plot works like a kit of parts that can be combined into the desired unit configuration. Also included are one and two module common areas to make flexibility in building layout while also providing study rooms, gathering lounges, and areas for social activity. 

KTGY’s depth of experience with student housing, combined with the firm’s current innovations in modular design, caught the attention of the firm’s R+D Studio. “KTGY is preparing to break ground on Hope on Alvarado, a modular residential building that will provide transitional housing and social services for homeless individuals in Los Angeles,” Kasdan said. “The modern design and speed-to-market from construction start made sense for student housing.” 

Why Build Student Housing Modularly?

1. Student housing lends itself to modular construction due to its repetitive nature and commonly narrow room dimensions. 

2. Due to time and cost savings, modular student housing can be built and thus rented more affordably. Shorter construction timelines are also better suited to the university calendar. 

3. Use of modular components still allows for the design flexibility required to achieve contemporary and site-sensitive designs, making it both an innovative and adaptable option for modern university campuses. 

4. Off-site construction and quick on-site assembly time minimize disruption to student life. 

“To maximize the benefits of modular construction, room dimensions are coordinated with the typical dimensions of a freight truck,” said Kasdan. “Each module stretches from exterior face to exterior face of a double-loaded corridor building, including components of two units and the corridor running through the middle. As much as possible, unit interiors are finished in an off-site factory with end materials, cabinetry, and fixtures, prior to relocation to the site. This simplifies the delivery process and on-site construction.”

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NEWNAN, GA – The Praedium Group, a New York City based national real estate investment firm, announced the acquisition of Trees of Newnan Apartments in Newnan, GA. Peter Calatozzo, Managing Director of The Praedium Group, made the announcement of the investment firm’s most recent acquisition.

Constructed in two phases in 2014 and 2016, Trees of Newnan consists of twenty-two, three- and four-tale apartment buildings. The property’s unit mix is comprised of one, two, and three-bedroom homes ranging from 674 SF to 1,620 SF, with an average unit size of 985 SF. Units feature nine-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplash, track & pendant lighting, and wood-style flooring in parts of the units. The community boasts controlled access gates and the amenity package consists of a clubhouse/leasing center, fitness center with spin area, swimming pool, picnic areas, and an extensive walking/jogging trail system.

“This was an exciting investment opportunity for Praedium, as we were able to buy the property at an attractive basis relative to replacement cost,” said Mr. Calatozzo. “Since 2010, the Atlanta MSA south of I-20 has seen 14% of Atlanta’s MSA population growth, but only 3% of the total supply pipeline. Coweta County has seen 60% population growth since 2000 and is projecting 21% growth over the next 10 years.” 

Mr. Calatozzo continued, “the acquisition of Trees of Newnan fits well within our strategy of purchasing high quality assets in growth markets. This location within the Atlanta MSA continues to see strong job development, which is led by the ongoing industrial development along the I-85 corridor, expansion of the healthcare industry, and the growth of the film industry propelled by a cluster of well-regarded movie studios.”    

Kelsey Durels, Associate of The Praedium Group, added: “Praedium will rebrand the property and seek to enhance the tenant experience through a modernization of the clubhouse and amenity space. We are also contemplating a unit interior upgrade program which we believe will be well received by the market.”

Trees of Newnan is located 24 miles southwest of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and 33 miles southwest of Downtown/Midtown Atlanta. South Atlanta’s economic drivers include several corporate headquarters, highlighted by Delta Airlines, Chick-Fil-A, and Porsche North America, as well as industrial development that is spurring significant growth in the region. Amazon, Google, Duracell, and Samsung have all made and continue to make substantial investments in logistics and distribution facilities along the I-85 corridor. Additionally, the Cubes at Bridgeport, an 8.5 million SF industrial development approximately 10 minutes from the property, is currently under construction. Trees is 2 miles from Downtown Newnan, and is walkable to Ashley Park, a 1.7 million SF retail center with over 60 restaurants and stores. Further, McIntosh Parkway, which is located just south of the property is currently being extended and, once complete, will provide direct access between Downtown Newnan and the Ashley Park area.

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LAS VEGAS, NV – San Diego-based Tower 16 Capital Partners, in a joint venture with Henley USA, has bought Cornerstone Crossing Apartments, a 540-unit multifamily project in northwest Las Vegas, for $49.75 million. Tower 16 will oversee $6.5 million in renovations and upgrades to the project.

“Cornerstone Crossing is another fantastic acquisition for Tower 16 as we implement our investment strategy in the Las Vegas market,” said Tower 16 Principal Tyler Pruett. “As of this closing, we will have bought 1,280 units in Vegas this year, which is in-line with our plot to build a significant portfolio of multifamily housing communities catering to working-class individuals and families in the Las Vegas market.”

The community is located at 6666 West Washington Avenue in Las Vegas, easily accessible to I-95, public transportation, shopping, entertainment and the Las Vegas Strip. The two-tale building features studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 440 to 1,000 square feet with oversized private patios and balconies.

Built in 1984, Cornerstone Crossing features acres of landscaped courtyards, three pools and spas, barbecue area, business center, fitness center, basketball courts and sports court.

“We look forward to taking an already fantastic property and adding several new amenities including a kid’s play area, dog park, enhanced gym and other outdoor amenity areas for the tenants,” said Tower 16 Principal Mike Farley. “We take fantastic pride in making investments in workforce housing where we can make meaningful improvements to a project and, in many cases, the entire neighborhood, through our improvements. This is excellent for the tenants, the neighborhood and the entire city.”

This is Tower 16’s third acquisition in Las Vegas. Earlier this year, the company bought Altura on Duneville, a 228-unit property currently undergoing significant upgrades, and Altura on Tropicana, a 512-unit multifamily project in Spring Valley also being renovated.

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