Atlanta, GA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/13/2014 -- The Wall Street Journal reports that more than three million high-school seniors are expected to graduate each year until the 2018-19 academic year with many going onto college. Students are looking for living spaces that can meet their technological needs, have comfortable living spaces and high quality amenities. These demands are fueling resurgence in new and renovated student housing developments. A survey of over 7,000 students by J. Turner Research for Multi-Family Executive shows that students want updated communities close to school, big apartments with lots of storage, and individual bathrooms. They want their housing to look modern, with sleek and clean lines. These gleaming facilities begin with thoughtful design decisions from an integrated design team of architects, civil, structural, mechanical engineers and landscape architects.
Successful projects begin with comprehensive site plan. An experienced design team ensures that all aspects of the development are researched and addressed before the design process begins. Student housing projects differ from other multi-family projects in that students desire an environment for studying as well as relaxing and socializing with other students. “Amenity areas have to be designed with this multi-purpose sensibility addressed, while still being aesthetically pleasing and ADA accessible,” states Kevin Edwards, Principal in Charge of Civil Engineering at Eberly & Associates. Eberly & Associates most recent project, University House in Midtown Atlanta offers students a resort-style pool on an elevated terrace, secured parking garage, study rooms, and fitness centers and a lounge on the top floor with views of the skyline sited on an in-town Atlanta urban site. “The developer wanted to take advantage of the proximity to the Georgia Tech Campus and access to The Stinger shuttle line. This property was ideally located, but required carefully planning and programming to ensure all the design and permitting requirements were met,” states Edwards.
These new successful student housing developments, whether school owned or leased, balance high-end amenities and support services while being economically viable over the long term. Rooftop swimming pools, soccer fields, running tracks, secure parking garages, computer labs, theaters are all amenities found in student housing communities. The impact of non-revenue spaces have to be factored into each design decision. The design team should understand the impact of these factors during the early design stage and provide insight on the construction cost and long term cost implications.
Most college students move into their dorms, apartments or rental homes a few days prior to the start of fall semester. They look for new housing options the spring prior to that. Coordinating the design, permitting, construction and grand opening is paramount to a successful launch of a new or renovated student housing development. Scheduling the design time with an understanding of the permitting process and design reviews can impact the on-time delivery of a project. Dan Eberly, President of Eberly & Associates adds, “We encourage our clients to invite us into those early scheduling meetings, so we can be sure that the civil-site design is scheduled to allow for permitting time.” Understanding the timing and delivery process allow construction scheduling that will meet the small window for delivering student housing projects in time for fall semester.
Not only is there an increasing demand for high quality student housing, students are showing a willingness to pay for the quality. Based on the J. Turner Research, students will pay up to $215.77 more a month to live off campus as long as they are close to campus, have their “quality of life” amenities and aesthetic environment. These features require a knowledgeable and an experienced design team from the ground up…where a successful Student Housing project really begins.
About Eberly & Associates
Eberly & Associates is a Land Planning, Civil Engineering, and Landscape Architecture firm with a reputation for solid engineering and landscape design solutions which demonstrate environmental and aesthetic awareness. This integrated approach combines the design capabilities and experience of our engineers and landscape architects. The result is a comprehensive site solution that uniquely responds to the client’s and building requirements. Our engineers and landscape architects serve clients in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast in the private and public sectors, on multi-family housing, healthcare, education, industrial/distribution, and mission critical projects.
For more information about Eberly & Associates’ land planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture and other services, visit www.eberly.net. Those with inquiries or who would like an assessment for their next project may call 770.452.7849.
Contact: Kevin Edwards
Eberly & Associates
Phone: 770.452.7849
Email: kedwards@eberly.net