BIRMINGHAM, AL - A strategic partnership between Pumphouse Residential Group, WeldenField Development, and SPM announced the successful acquisition of a premium student housing portfolio comprising two strategically located properties serving the University of Georgia (UGA) and Louisiana State University (LSU) markets. The portfolio includes The Lodge of Athens (240 units, 480 beds) and Wildwood Baton Rouge (204 units, 708 beds), totaling 444 units and 1,188 beds.
The integrated partnership combines acquisition and investment expertise from Pumphouse Residential Group and WeldenField with SPM's specialized student housing operational management. SPM will provide comprehensive property management services and oversee planned renovation enhancements through SPM Building Services. Institutional Property Advisors (IPA), a division of Marcus & Millichap (NYSE:MMI), arranged the sale of the portfolio.
The acquisition demonstrates the importance of operational expertise in today's competitive student housing market. The Pumphouse-WeldenField-SPM partnership was selected based on the team's proven ability to execute complex transactions and deliver superior results in the student housing sector.
"This partnership represents the ideal combination of acquisition expertise, investment capabilities, and specialized operational management that today's student housing investments require," said Anthony Alsup, Pumphouse Residential Group managing partner. "We focus on acquiring well-located assets at universities where operational excellence can drive significant value creation. The ability to pair our acquisition and investment capabilities with SPM's proven student housing management expertise was critical to executing this transaction successfully."
The Lodge of Athens, built in 2003 and located just 0.8 miles from the UGA campus, features recently upgraded amenities including a fully gated community, brand new modernized clubhouse, an upgraded pool area and fitness center, a private shuttle to campus, and enhanced study areas with a new computer lab. The property also offers pet-friendly accommodations with a dedicated dog park, sand volleyball and basketball courts, and new grilling and hammock garden areas. Currently operating at 95% occupancy, the property demonstrates strong demand in the Athens market.
Wildwood Baton Rouge, constructed in 2016 and positioned 1.4 miles from the LSU campus, offers resort-style amenities including a pool area with cabanas, an outdoor fitness center, a "Gameday" room, a cyber café, and 24/7 study areas. The property features fully furnished apartments with 58" smart TVs, private patios and balconies, full kitchens with bar areas, and townhome and flat-style apartment options. Additional amenities include fire pit and grilling pavilions, half-court basketball and volleyball courts, and comprehensive pet-friendly facilities. The property maintains an exceptional 98% occupancy rate, reflecting the strength of the Baton Rouge student housing market.
While SPM has built its reputation managing over 200 multifamily communities across 13 states, the company has assembled a specialized student housing team with deep sector expertise. SPM's leadership team collectively brings over 65 years of student housing experience and has overseen well over $6 billion in student housing operations across 100+ markets in 35 states through previous roles at major student housing operators.
"Student housing demands specialized expertise beyond conventional multifamily management," said Mitchell Smith, SPM executive vice president. "Our team's collective experience managing billions in student housing assets across major operators paired with our technology-forward approach positioned us as the optimal choice to maximize the value of these premium properties."
With these acquisitions, SPM will manage five student housing properties, building on its success at HELiX Starkville (now Philo Starkville Student Apartments) and leveraging its team's extensive background to drive operational improvements and resident satisfaction.