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Harrison Street has built a very successful business by investing in alternative real estate asset classes. With more than $56 billion in assets under management, the firm has been a leading investor in the student housing sector for two decades. Leading the firm is co-founder and CEO Christopher Merrill. SHB recently spoke with Merrill to get his take on commercial real estate, and the student housing sector. SHB: What are your thoughts on the recent (late July) interest rate hike? How do you think it will affect the student housing …

Each fall is a time to shine for furniture providers. With new projects coming online and owners and operators seeking to level up their accommodations before turn, the summer sees a flurry of activity with companies racing to accommodate multitudes of orders across the country.  Over the past few years, this time frame has also been plagued with a number of obstacles due to an unreliable supply chain during and immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, however, has seen a return to more normal operations, making turn/move-in once again …

In 2021, a number of off-campus housing providers came together to form the College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition (CSMWAC). The effort was started to support the mental well-being of off-campus housing residents, in hopes of providing them resources and programs. More than 26 off-campus student housing companies have since joined the effort. Student Housing Business recently interviewed several members of the CSMWAC’s board to find out more about the coalition and its initiatives. SHB spoke with Jonathan Bove, executive vice president, Landmark Properties; Richie Lasek, director of innovation and …

COCM has consistently ranked as the top third-party management company of on-campus properties in Student Housing Business’ annual ranking of the Top Managers in the industry. The Birmingham, Alabama-based company is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and some internal changes as well. Doug Brown, who has been president of the company since its inception, is retiring at the end of 2023, and Will Davenport, chief operating officer, will assume the president role. COCM was launched in the early days of public-private partnership (P3) development on-campus. The model then was …

The supply chain. That phrase alone had the power to send shudders down the spines of student housing operators during the past few years, especially as turn approached. Materials were scarce. Ships were stuck at sea. Inventory was sold out. Workers threatened to strike.  Many operators took what they could get, when they could get it, fearing there may not be another chance to stock up on goods, parts or supplies.  “At the height of the supply chain interruption, we were putting our hands on whatever was available from whomever …