I attended a meeting of the Design Review Committee (DRC) of Midtown Alliance back in February. At that time this project was presented, and was sent back to the drawing board for some modifications. Construction has not started yet, but I suspect we will see the crane soon on the corner of Spring and 8th Streets.

Here is a drawing of the proposed 20 story building. (I recall at the DRC meeting it was going to be higher than that? Maybe not.)

University House College Apartments at Georgia Tech

OAK BROOK, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 11, 2013–

Inland American Communities Group, Inc. (“IAC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc., has announced that plans are underway for the newest University House property, which will be located within walking distance of the Georgia Institute of Technology (“Georgia Tech”) in Atlanta. Developed in partnership with Ambling University Development Group, LLC, the student housing community will be located on the northwest corner of Spring Street and 8th Street in Midtown and is slated to open for the fall 2015 academic year.

“The team at IAC places a high emphasis on developing best-in-class amenities to distinguish University House communities from the competition,” said David Pierce, senior vice president of development at IAC. “Based on our experience, we recognize the importance of designing each space for the way students really live, and we look forward to providing this premium housing option for the Georgia Tech community.”

The 20-story, mixed-use development will feature 268 units totaling 706 beds with studio, one-, two-, three- and four- bedroom floor plans. Many units will include balconies with views of Midtown, the Georgia Tech campus and downtown Atlanta. Community amenities will include a resort-style pool on an elevated terrace, a secured parking garage, business and fitness centers and a city-view sky lounge on the top floor.

“We are proud to be developing our next project in the heart of Midtown, ” said Travis Roberts, president of IAC. “This development will be a great addition to our growing portfolio of student housing properties nationwide.”

IAC, which currently manages over 7,000 beds of student housing nationwide, will operate the property upon completion.

About Inland American Communities

Inland American Communities Group, Inc. (IAC) is a development, acquisition and management firm dedicated to the creation of authentic communities in university markets across the United States. IAC was formed in 2007 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc. The company is headquartered in Dallas. For more information on Inland American Communities, visit www.inlandac.com.

About Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc.

Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc. focuses on acquiring and developing a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate located in the United States. The company also invests in joint ventures, development projects, real estate loans and marketable securities. As of March 31, 2013 Inland American owned 759 properties, representing approximately 45 million square feet of retail, industrial and office properties, 4,919 conventional multi-family units, 5,332 student housing beds and 16,407 hotel rooms. Inland American is one of six REITs that are, or have been, sponsored by affiliates of The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. For further information regarding Inland American, please refer to the company website at www.inlandamerican.com.

Ah yes, I remember the days of college orientation! In fact, one summer I was even an Orientation Leader at Montana State University! It was great to see the new Freshman coming onto campus, excited about the new chapter in their life!

Summer Orientation is about to begin at Georgia Tech!

FASET Begins At Georgia Tech

FASET, which means for “Familiarization and Adaptation to the Surroundings and Environs of Tech,” is the orientation program for new undergraduate students (freshmen and transfers) at Georgia Tech. The program is also designed to included parents, family members, and guests.

Incoming Freshman have been attending the Summer orientation program that has been a Georgia Tech tradition since 1972.  Students that transfer into Georgia Tech are offered orientation at the start of each semester.

Just like when I was an Orientation Leader at Montana State University, new students at FASET will learn about the classes they need to take relative to their chosen major,  register for their first semester of courses, and other school related items. In addition, Georgia Tech faculty, staff, and administrators will review important campus services students may need, student organizations they can become involved in as well as undergraduate  and other academic programs.

Probably one of the coolest things about new student orientation, or FASET, is that students, parents, and guests get to meet and interact with current Tech students as well as to get to know other new students. Some new found college friendships can come right for this orientation and last through college and beyond.

The first FASET program for the Fall, 2013 school year began today! Students spend the one night in campus housing, while parents can stay at any number of local hotels that are offering discounts for the dates.

Fall 2013 Freshman FASET Dates:

FASET-1: Sunday, July 7 – Monday, July 8
FASET-2: Thursday, July 11 – Friday, July 12
FASET-3: Sunday, July 21 – Monday, July 22
FASET-4: Sunday, August 4 – Monday, August 5
FASET-5: Sunday, August 11 – Monday, August 12*
FASET-6: Wednesday, August 14 – Thursday, August 15*

*Sessions 5 & 6 are reserved for students living outside of the United States and Out-of-State students living 800 miles or more away

I won’t cover costs and all that, as reservations for these programs had to be made by June 30th.

Georgia Tech Parents that might wonder where their son or daughter will live after their Freshman year,  may want to look at a real estate investment for themselves and their GATech student.

You can find detailed information about off-campus condominium living here!

Welcome Freshman Class of Georgia Tech! We know we’ll be seeing a lot of you over the next four years!