Strategic Partnership of Pumphouse Residential Group, WeldenField Development, and SPM Acquires Premier Student Housing Portfolio at University of Georgia and Louisiana State University

Rhea-AI Summary

Pumphouse Residential Group, WeldenField Development and SPM formed a strategic partnership to acquire a premium student housing portfolio serving University of Georgia and Louisiana State University markets on Oct 21, 2025. The portfolio comprises The Lodge of Athens (240 units, 480 beds) and Wildwood Baton Rouge (204 units, 708 beds) for a total of 444 units and 1,188 beds. SPM will provide property management and oversee planned renovation enhancements via SPM Building Services. The Lodge currently operates at 95% occupancy; Wildwood at 98% occupancy. Institutional Property Advisors, a division of Marcus & Millichap (NYSE:MMI), arranged the sale.

Positive

• Portfolio size: 444 units, 1,188 beds
• High occupancy: Lodge 95% and Wildwood 98%
• Management: SPM to provide property management and renovation oversight
• Market locations: Assets within 0.8 and 1.4 miles of UGA and LSU campuses
• Deal advisory: Sale arranged by Institutional Property Advisors (MMI)

Negative

• None.

Insights

Real Estate Investment Strategist

Acquisition of two high-occupancy student housing assets creates an operationally driven platform for value capture.

The partnership acquired a 444-unit, 1,188-bed portfolio serving the University of Georgia and Louisiana State University, combining Pumphouse Residential Group and WeldenField's acquisition capabilities with SPM's student-housing operations. The assets report strong demand, with The Lodge of Athens at 95% occupancy and Wildwood Baton Rouge at 98%, and include recent amenity upgrades and planned renovation oversight by SPM Building Services.

Operational execution and resident experience will determine near-term cashflow stability and the pace of any value-add returns. Key dependencies include SPM's transition and renovation timetable, actual rent realization versus current occupancies, and integration of service platforms; monitor occupancy and rent change over the next 6–12 months and any disclosed renovation milestones in that period.

Integrated Partnership Combines Acquisition, Development, and Specialized Operational Expertise for 444-Unit, 1,188 Bed Portfolio

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Oct. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A strategic partnership between Pumphouse Residential Group, WeldenField Development, and SPM today 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.

Strategic Partnership Drives Student Housing Excellence

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."

Premium Properties in High-Demand Markets

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.

Operational Excellence and Enhancement Plans

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.

About Pumphouse Residential Group

Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Pumphouse Residential Group is part of the WeldenField family of companies. PRG is focused on the acquisition and repositioning of student housing assets in fundamentally strong markets across the country. Their leadership team brings 30+ years of combined student housing experience to their execution focused approach to the operationally intensive asset class.

About WeldenField

Based in Birmingham, Alabama, WeldenField is a family-owned business specializing in property management, multi-family acquisition, residential development construction, and hotel development management. The company has a diverse range of development projects, including affordable and upscale multifamily housing. Their operations extend nationwide, catering to clients and residents through diligent planning and execution.

About SPM

Founded in 1977, SPM is a leader in integrated multifamily management with operations spanning 13 states and over 200 communities. The company goes beyond traditional property management through its data-driven, resident-centric approach to deliver tailored solutions across conventional, affordable, tax credit, and student housing sectors. SPM's specialized expertise and technology-forward operations enable it to challenge industry norms and generate superior results for partners and residents alike.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strategic-partnership-of-pumphouse-residential-group-weldenfield-development-and-spm-acquires-premier-student-housing-portfolio-at-university-of-georgia-and-louisiana-state-university-302590182.html

SOURCE SPM, LLC

FAQ

What properties did Pumphouse, WeldenField and SPM acquire serving UGA and LSU (MMI related)?

They acquired The Lodge of Athens (240 units, 480 beds) and Wildwood Baton Rouge (204 units, 708 beds), totaling 444 units and 1,188 beds.

How close are the acquired student housing properties to the campuses for MMI-arranged sale?

The Lodge of Athens is 0.8 miles from UGA and Wildwood Baton Rouge is 1.4 miles from LSU.

What occupancy rates do the acquired properties report and what does that mean for MMI investors?

Current operating occupancies are 95% at The Lodge and 98% at Wildwood, indicating strong demand in both markets.

Who will manage and renovate the student housing assets after the acquisition (MMI transaction)?

SPM will provide comprehensive property management and oversee planned renovation enhancements through SPM Building Services.

When was the acquisition announced and which firm arranged the sale (NYSE:MMI)?

The acquisition was announced on October 21, 2025, and the sale was arranged by Institutional Property Advisors, a division of Marcus & Millichap (MMI).

How does SPM's operational experience factor into the acquired student housing performance?

SPM brings a specialized student housing team with collective experience overseeing >$6 billion in student housing operations and will apply that expertise to drive operational improvements.