#United States #Birmingham #SPM #Pumphouse Group #WeldenField

Strategic Collaboration for Student Housing

A strategic partnership formed by Pumphouse Residential Group, WeldenField Development, and SPM has recently made headlines with the acquisition of a distinguished student housing portfolio that caters to the University of Georgia (UGA) and Louisiana State University (LSU). This partnership incorporates a comprehensive approach to acquisition and operational management, emphasizing the importance of specialized expertise in today’s competitive real estate market.

Overview of the Acquisition

The acquired portfolio, which was finalized on October 21, 2025, consists of two premier properties: The Lodge of Athens and Wildwood Baton Rouge. Together, these locations comprise an impressive total of 444 units and 1,188 beds.

• - The Lodge of Athens features 240 units with capacity for 480 residents, strategically located just 0.8 miles from the UGA campus.
• - Wildwood Baton Rouge includes 204 units catering to 708 students, remarkably positioned 1.4 miles from the LSU campus.

Integrated Expertise in Action

The collaboration of these three organizations brings together their respective strengths in real estate acquisition and management. Pumphouse Residential Group and WeldenField Development specialize in property acquisition and investment, while SPM's expertise lies in property management tailored specifically for student housing. This partnership aims to enhance property values by implementing strategic renovations and operational improvements.

Anthony Alsup, managing partner at Pumphouse, emphasized the significance of having a specialized team for managing student housing effectively. He stated, "This partnership represents the ideal synergy of acquisition expertise and operational management necessary in today’s student housing investments."

Features and Amenities

Both properties exhibit a range of luxurious amenities aimed at student satisfaction:

The Lodge of Athens

• - Modern Amenities: Recently upgraded with a newly designed clubhouse and enhanced recreational areas, such as a pool and fitness center.
• - Transportation Services: Offers a private shuttle service to the campus for added convenience.
• - Pet-Friendly Options: Includes features like a dog park, volleyball courts, and defined grilling areas.
• - High Occupancy Rates: Currently operating at 95% occupancy, illustrating strong market demand.

Wildwood Baton Rouge

• - Resort-Style Amenities: Features such as cabanas, a cyber café, and various outdoor fitness options cater to different student lifestyles.
• - Fully Furnished Options: Apartments come equipped with smart TVs and kitchens for modern living.
• - Exceptional Demand: Achieving a 98% occupancy rate highlights the robust demand in the Baton Rouge student housing market.

Operational Excellence

SPM's longstanding reputation in managing a diverse portfolio of over 200 multifamily communities across 13 states is anchored by a specialized student housing team. This team comprises individuals with collective experience surpassing 65 years, overseeing more than $6 billion in student asset management. Such expertise is crucial in uniquely navigating the requirements of student housing as it demands different strategies compared to conventional multifamily management.

Mitchell Smith, Executive Vice President at SPM, noted that the success of this venture relies on embracing a technology-based approach that is student-focused, maximizing the value of these properties.

Future Directions

With the integration of these new acquisitions, SPM now manages a total of five student housing properties. They plan to leverage their success from previous projects like HELiX Starkville while continuously seeking opportunities to enhance operational performance and resident satisfaction across all properties.

About Pumphouse Residential Group

Founded in Birmingham, Alabama, Pumphouse Residential Group is part of the WeldenField family of companies, focusing on the strategic acquisition and repositioning of student housing assets in thriving markets.

About WeldenField

Also based in Birmingham, WeldenField offers a broad spectrum of property management services and aims for excellence in residential development across various segments of the housing market.

About SPM

Established in 1977, SPM remains a leader in multifamily management, renowned for adopting innovative, resident-centric strategies that yield remarkable results in both conventional and student housing sectors.

This strategic partnership not only reflects a unified vision but also sets a blueprint for future investments in the student housing market, assuring stakeholders of sustainable growth and enhanced community living experiences.