#United States #AEW Capital #GMH Communities #Dockside Flatiron #Clemson, SC; Baton Rouge, LA

GMH Communities and AEW Capital Management Expand Student Housing Portfolio

In a significant move set to reshape the student housing landscape, GMH Communities and AEW Capital Management have announced the acquisition of two strategic properties: Dockside at Clemson University in South Carolina and Flatiron at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This partnership underscores their commitment to providing high-quality living spaces tailored for students in thriving academic environments.

Expanding the Reach in Premier University Markets

With this latest acquisition, GMH and AEW will manage over 2,000 beds across four universities located in what are dubbed the Power 4 markets. The Dockside community, featuring 633 beds, is situated right by Lake Hartwell and will undergo rebranding to become The Cove at Clemson, capitalizing on its scenic location. The Flatiron community, with 293 beds, is recognized for being one of the few options that cater to pedestrian-oriented living, conveniently located just steps away from the LSU campus.

Gary Holloway, Jr., the CEO of GMH Communities, emphasizes their 40+ years of experience as a leader in the student housing industry. He notes that understanding student needs and trends is essential in shaping their living environments. With a focus on high-quality, well-located assets within fundamentally strong markets, GMH aims to stay at the forefront of student housing innovations.

Adam Schwank, a managing director at AEW Capital, also expresses enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the desired features of modern student housing such as contemporary construction and ample communal spaces. He points out that Dockside and Flatiron perfectly align with AEW's strategy for high-performing student housing investments.

Meeting the Demand for Quality Housing

As student enrollment continues to increase at Clemson and LSU, the off-campus student housing market is experiencing a surge in demand. This growth stems from students' desires for quality living options that support both their academic pursuits and social activities. GMH and AEW's partnership is poised to enhance students' living experiences, providing them with environments that nurture both academic excellence and social interaction.

In today's competitive educational landscape, offering superior housing solutions is more crucial than ever. As universities expand and adapt to changing student demographics, the demand for well-located student housing is expected to rise. GMH's strategic acquisitions aim to meet this growing need while also delivering exceptional living conditions characterized by modern amenities and prime locations.

About GMH Communities and AEW Capital Management

GMH Communities, headquartered in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is a privately-held real estate firm known for its expertise in creating and managing vibrant living communities across the United States. Since its inception in 1985, GMH has engaged in over 300 transactions, accumulating a gross asset value exceeding $8.6 billion.

On the other hand, AEW Capital Management stands out in the realm of global real estate investments, managing assets worth over $81.9 billion. They focus on both private equity real estate and publicly traded real estate securities. With a solid client base that includes leading corporations, retirement funds, and private investors, AEW is recognized for its disciplined investment approach and its ability to capitalize on market opportunities.

This collaborative acquisition between GMH and AEW is a clear indication of their shared vision to enhance student living experiences and meet the evolving needs of the educational community. As they move forward with these developments, both companies reaffirm their commitment to investing in high-quality living solutions that will undoubtedly shape the future of student housing.