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LV Collective & Harrison Street Launch Clemson Student Housing

LV Collective and Harrison Street Asset Management are developing Rambler Clemson, a 749-bed student housing project near Clemson University, delivering 2028.

AM
Alvaro de la Maza

Partner at Aninver

Key Takeaways

  • Sector: Real Estate, Student Housing.
  • Geography: United States.

Analysis

The burgeoning student housing market near top-tier universities continues to attract significant investment, with a major new development slated for Clemson, South Carolina. LV Collective, a prominent owner and operator in the multifamily and student housing sectors, has partnered with global alternative investment manager Harrison Street Asset Management to launch Rambler Clemson. This ambitious project, set to deliver in 2028, underscores a strategic focus on high-demand collegiate markets.

The joint venture recently finalized the development agreement for Rambler Clemson, a midrise community positioned directly on College Avenue. This prime location offers unparalleled access, being within comfortable walking distance of both Clemson University's campus and the vibrant downtown area. The project's financing is being provided by QuadReal, signaling strong institutional confidence in the asset class and location.

Rambler Clemson is designed to address the evolving needs of modern students, encompassing 227 units and a substantial 749 beds across more than 567,000 square feet. A key differentiator will be its diverse unit mix, ranging from studios to expansive six-bedroom layouts. Notably, the six-bedroom configuration is projected to be unique in downtown Clemson, offering enhanced flexibility and value for larger student groups, a growing trend in cost-conscious markets.

Jonathan Reyes, President of Student Housing at LV Collective, emphasized the strategic alignment of this venture. "Our entry into the Clemson University market is a testament to our commitment to thoughtful expansion, driven by both robust student demand and the specific needs of the local community," Reyes stated. He highlighted the project's dual aim: to enrich the neighborhood with ground-floor retail while cultivating a resident experience that fosters academic achievement, personal well-being, and social connection.

Echoing this sentiment, Beau Garot, Co-Head of Education Transactions – North America at Harrison Street Asset Management, reiterated the firm's strong conviction in the student housing sector. With over $108 billion in assets under management and a track record of investing over $24 billion across 427 properties in student housing globally, Harrison Street's involvement underscores the sector's resilience and growth potential. Garot noted, "Rambler Clemson exemplifies our strategy of delivering premium assets in markets anchored by leading academic institutions, further strengthening our partnership with LV Collective to elevate the student living experience."

Beyond its strategic location and diverse unit offerings, Rambler Clemson will feature an extensive suite of amenities tailored for student life. Plans include a ground-floor Daydreamer Café, a mezzanine-level coworking space equipped with private study rooms, and a multisport simulator. Wellness is a central theme, with a dedicated fitness center, yoga and flex studio, and a wellness lounge featuring a sauna and cold plunge. A rooftop pool deck and a clubroom with a social lounge will provide ample opportunities for relaxation and community building. The integration of street-level, third-party retail will further enhance the property's connectivity to the surrounding urban fabric.

The project team includes renowned firms such as Niles Bolton as the architect, Juneau Construction Company as the general contractor, and Variant Collaborative handling interior design. This collaboration of industry leaders is poised to deliver a high-quality development that meets the increasing demand for modern, amenity-rich student accommodations in one of the Southeast's most dynamic university towns. The student housing sector continues to demonstrate robust fundamentals, driven by consistent enrollment growth at flagship universities like Clemson, making such purpose-built developments critical for supporting academic communities.