Demand for student housing continues to grow, which resulted in an active transaction market for this sector, according to the latest research from Yardi Matrix.

In its May 2025 National Student Housing Report, Yardi Matrix said that 27 student housing properties had sold this year through the end of April, a similar number as during the same period in 2023 and 2024.

The sales price per bed came in strong at $74,207 as of the end of April. Yardi Matrix also recorded two large portfolio sales that came in at more than $100,000 per bed.

It’s not surprising that investors are interested in student housing. The demand from students for units remains high. Yardi Matrix said that preleasing for its Yardi 200 schools averaged 73.2% in April, 140 basis points higher than in the same month a year ago.

Rental rates did fall from March to April, but increased on a year-over-year basis. Yardi Matrix said that advertised monthly rental rates for its Yardi 200 schools stood at an average of $917 per bed in April. This represents rent growth of 2% on a year-over-year basis. That pace of growth is down from a year-over-year increase of 6.4% during the last two leasing seasons, Yardi Matrix said.

The enrollment growth for 189 schools in the Yardi 200 averaged 1.8% in the fall of 2024. That’s up from enrollment growth of 1.1% for the fall of 2023 and a dip of 0.6% in the fall of 2022. Yardi Matrix did report that schools are concerned that changes to immigration policy and school funding could impact enrollment growth in the coming years.

Personal injury law firm FVF Law moved its headquarters to North Austin, Texas, as award-winning architecture and interiors firmMark Odom Studio designs a new office space that will enhance the long-standing commercial building at 4902 Burnet Road.

The adaptive reuse project will re-imagine the former Top Drawer building – built in 1948, creating a user-friendly courtyard and inviting streetscape. The design plan provides a warm and welcoming experience for the firm’s clients.

FVF Law is deeply rooted in the Rosedale neighborhood, where many employees and the founders reside and actively engage in community activities. The Firm is dedicated to investing in and supporting the places that make Austin special.

Being mindful of the FVF Law’s 10-year legacy, company ethos, and respecting the neighborhood landscape were all top priorities for Mark Odom Studio. FVF Law’s new HQ is designed to fold into the established neighborhood’s mid-century roots while adding a refreshed perspective to the street.

Highly regarded, locally owned commercial contractor, Franklin Alan, will handle construction and is set to begin this spring with expected completion in the fall of 2025.

Parkspring Multifamily is set to break ground on Commons at Cottonwood Creek, a 372-unit garden-style community in Waco, Texas.

Located at 2221 Creekview Drive within the Cottonwood Creek master-planned development, the project underscores Parkspring’s mission to create thoughtfully designed communities that prioritize the resident experience.

The purchase of the 16.52-acre site claims one of the last remaining parcels within the Cottonwood Creek master-planned community – and marks Parkspring’s debut in the Waco market.

As part of the Cottonwood Creek master-planned development, Commons at Cottonwood Creek will further elevate Waco’s real estate landscape. The area is already home to notable retailers such as Topgolf, Cinemark, and Main Event, contributing to an increasingly vibrant commercial district. With Waco’s expanding infrastructure, steady job growth, and increasing demand for housing, the development is poised to be an excellent investment in a growing market. The combination of proximity to key employment centers and desirable amenities positions this project as a cornerstone in Waco’s ongoing transformation.

Commons at Cottonwood Creek will offer a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartment homes ranging from 754 to 1,028 square feet. Each residence will feature stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, wood-vinyl plank flooring, full-size washers and dryers, smart-home technology, and private yards in select units – all designed with comfort, convenience, and long-term value in mind.

Designed to foster connection and enhance everyday living, community amenities will include a resident clubhouse with kitchen, coffee bar, pool table, golf simulator, and televisions; a business center with private conference rooms and co-working spaces; a resort-style pool with tanning ledges; a fully equipped athletic club; outdoor kitchen areas; and an on-site dog park. Additional conveniences such as electric vehicle charging stations, 24-hour package lockers, controlled-access parking, and private garages will further support modern resident needs.

Positioned along the I-35 corridor, which connects the thriving cities of Dallas and Austin, Waco continues to benefit from a strategic location that fosters economic growth and regional connectivity. This burgeoning city has seen a 2.1% annual population growth since 2010 and a significant 18.4% job growth since 2014, underscoring its strong economic foundation. With major employers such as Baylor University, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, and Amazon providing a steady influx of residents, Waco is quickly becoming a sought-after location for both residents and businesses alike.

Austin-based OHT Partners has been selected as the general contractor for the project. OHT Partners brings 15 years of multifamily construction experience to the table.

Construction is expected to begin in May 2025, with the first units slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. Full project completion is anticipated by the second quarter of 2027.

In addition to OHT, additional team members include:

• Architect: EDI International
• Civil engineer: Pape-Dawson Engineers
• Structural engineer: PVE LLC
• Mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer: Jordan & Skala Engineers
• Interior design: Ellie Aiello Interiors
• Landscape architect: EDI International

Adolfson & Peterson Construction broke ground on a multi-phased construction project for Christ the King Catholic Church and School in Dallas.

Established in 1941, Christ the King has been a pillar of the faith community, and through the school, has offered exemplary pre-K through 8^th grade education to countless servant leaders.

The April 27 groundbreaking included the ceremonial shoveling of the dirt with church leaders including Very Rev. Anthony F. Lackland, V.F., pastor, school President Dr. Patrick O’Sullivan, church and school leadership, donors, parishioners and school families.

Construction will occur in phases and include the complete renovation of Christ the King’s Parish Hall, demolition of Bernadine Hall which will be replaced by a new, 25,000 square foot academic building, a new chapel, relocation of the church business office and the addition of a beautified courtyard outside of the sanctuary. Constructed nearly 80 years ago, Bernadine Hall served as the residences for the nuns up until the mid-1990s when the building was converted into classroom and library spaces for the lower school.

Beck Architecture is the project architect. Construction is slated to start this spring with a tentative summer 2026 completion.

Stream Realty Partners completed the ownership transfer of Houston Center in Houston, Texas, through a new joint venture alongside AustralianSuper, one of the world’s largest pension funds.

The property, a four-building, 4.6-million-square-foot, Class-A office campus in downtown Houston, is located at 1221 McKinney, 909 Fannin, 1301 McKinney and 1331 Lamar.

Stream, through its Value Preservation Advisors (VPA) team, will oversee the asset management, leasing, property management, and construction management for Houston Center.

Positioned at the heart of Downtown Houston, Houston Center is a dynamic mixed-use campus delivering an elevated tenant experience with flexible workspaces, a 10,000-square-foot fitness center, a 7,500-square-foot conference center, landscaped green spaces, and a variety of onsite and nearby retail and dining destinations. With a clear vision, strong ownership, and best-in-class amenities, Houston Center is uniquely poised to capture the growing demand from companies seeking high-quality, centrally located space with seamless connectivity to major transportation routes, cultural attractions, and Houston’s broader business community.

Executive Managing Director & Partner John Rogers and Senior Vice President Alex Roberto of Stream’s Investment Management team will provide day-to-day oversight of the investment strategy and business plan execution under the leadership of Chief Investment Officer, Adam Jackson. Stream Managing Director Ryan Barbles and Managing Director of Office Leasing Matt Asvestas will lead the leasing efforts for Houston Center on behalf of the venture. Managing Director of National Office Investor Services Adam Showalter, will oversee the execution of the campus’ hospitality-infused property management experience.

TGS Cedar Port Partners, L.P. has secured the largest rail-served industrial deal of the year in Houston—a lease for the entire 496,421-square-foot TGS Cedar Port DC 2 rail-served distribution center located within TGS Cedar Port Industrial Park.

This agreement further reinforces Cedar Port’s position as a premier hub for large-scale distribution and rail operations.

Strategically located at 4407 East Grand Parkway South in Baytown, Texas, DC 2 is a 496,421 square foot rail-served distribution center situated on approximately 27 acres. The facility offers above-standard specifications, including a 36-foot clear height, dual rail service via Union Pacific and BNSF, an 8-inch minimum slab, LED warehouse lighting, ESFR sprinkler system, oversized truck court, and ample car and trailer parking. Its direct access to the Port Houston container terminals and major highways makes it an ideal location for efficient supply chain operations.

Following the successful leasing of DC 2, TGS Cedar Port is preparing to break ground on DC 5, a 609,000-square-foot distribution center that can be expanded to over 900,000 square feet. DC 5 offers the flexibility to be configured as a dual-rail-served or cross-dock facility.

In addition to DC 2, TGS Cedar Port Industrial Park offers two other state-of-the-art distribution centers available for lease and ready for immediate occupancy. DC 3 is a dual-rail-served facility spanning 150,000 square feet, with expansion potential up to 600,000 square feet. DC 4 is a 1.2 million-square-foot warehouse that features an 8,236 square foot spec office, 40-foot clear height, 8-inch minimum slab, 5000-amp power, and ESFR sprinkler system. Designed for maximum flexibility, DC 4 accommodates over 1,000 car and trailer spaces and can expand beyond 2 million square feet, making it one of the most versatile large-scale industrial spec buildings in Texas.