Landmark Properties, a vertically integrated student housing development company, announced today the groundbreaking of four new student housing projects, including its single-largest development to date. These four projects add more than 3,100 beds to Landmark’s portfolio. 

The announced developments breaking ground include: The Retreat on Milledge near the University of Georgia; The Retreat at Orlando near the University of Central Florida; The Standard at Ann Arbor near the University of Michigan; and The Standard at Seattle – the company’s largest project to date – near the University of Washington.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Landmark adds these four new developments to 11 already under construction. Already recognized as an industry leader, the company’s vertically integrated model, dynamic team, deep experience and long-standing relationships with critical capital partners have allowed Landmark to be more agile and active than many competitors during times of economic disruption.

“This back-to-school season is unlike any other,” Landmark Properties President and CEO Wes Rogers said. “The vast majority of the markets where we operate are having in-person classes, but even at the few schools which have gone completely virtual, we’re still seeing stable demand for off-campus housing. We’ve actually seen a spike in some markets when on-campus housing has shut down or de-densified. I’m very proud of the way our team has navigated the challenges created by pandemic, continuing to prioritize the safety of our residents and while also ensuring the long-term success of the organization.”

Landmark’s August 2020 Ground Breakings:

• Retreat on Milledge — University of Georgia: A cottage-style, purpose-built student housing community with 594 beds, the Retreat will be located 1.5 miles south of campus, adjacent to the UGA Golf Course. The Retreat will feature three different floor plans of three- and five-bedroom cottages with private bathrooms for every bedroom. Community amenities include an 11,200-square-foot clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool with cabanas and hammocks, fire pit, outdoor kitchen and bar top area, fitness center, computer lab, tanning beds, sand volleyball court, golf simulator, bag toss boards and more. Scheduled delivery is 2021.
  
  
• Retreat at Orlando — University of Central Florida: An 138-unit, 602-bed cottage-style community located 1.2 miles from miles from UCF, the Retreat at Orlando features detached cottages with four- to six-bedroom floorplans. The cottages will have private bathrooms, large closets, upgraded finishes, high-speed internet and cable. Community amenities include a 12,500-square-foot clubhouse, resort-style pool deck, fitness center, computer lab, Jumbotron and gaming lounge. Scheduled delivery is 2021.
  
  
• The Standard at Ann Arbor — University of Michigan: This off-campus student housing community boasts 218 units for a total of 421 beds. In addition to its distinct floor plans ranging from studio to four-bedroom units, The Standard at Ann Arbor will also feature almost 6,000 square-feet of retail space on the ground floor. All units will have high-end finishes and gourmet kitchens with ample cabinet space. All appliances are also included. Additional amenities include an elevated pool and pool deck, fitness center, sauna and study lounge with café. Scheduled delivery is 2022.
  
  
• The Standard at Seattle — University of Washington: An urban high-rise project, The Standard at Seattle is the company’s largest single project to date. Within walking distance of the University of Washington (.10 miles west), the development features 1,545 bedrooms with floorplans ranging from studios to six-bedrooms. The Standard at Seattle has more than 446,000 square-feet of residential area and nearly 8,000 square-feet of retail space. Community amenities include two rooftop pools and hot tubs, outdoor theater-like entertainment, a coffee shop-inspired study area, high-speed internet, fitness center, rock climbing wall, sauna, computer lab, gaming lounge and much more. Scheduled delivery is 2023. 

These groundbreakings come at a time when Landmark Properties, despite general economic setbacks related to COVID-19, continues to achieve occupancy rates that are consistent with previous years’ efforts — indicating, once again, that off-campus student housing is one of the most resilient real estate asset classes. 

“We continue to beat prior year leasing performance,” Rogers said. “Our vertically integrated structure and talented team have allowed us to continue to deliver safely despite the many challenges of COVID-19. We’ve stayed on-target with developments while establishing a strong pipeline for 2021 and 2022 construction starts due to lasting relationships with capital partners, a track record of success and continued demand from residents across the country.”