Kimpton finalized plans with Houston-based DC Partners to develop the brand’s fourth Texas location in the picturesque Hill Country. Poised to open in 2027, Kimpton Fredericksburg in Fredericksburg, Texas, will anchor the 22-acre mixed-use development The Meuse.

Named after Fredericksburg’s founder, John O. Meusebach, the development is designed to seamlessly extend downtown’s charm by combining local authenticity with luxurious hospitality, retail and dining destinations. 

The 210-room luxury lifestyle hotel will be brought to life by Dallas-based Merriman Anderson Architects and interior design studio Curioso and will complement the town’s inspiring atmosphere and warm hospitality, providing a vibrant social hub filled with expansive experiences for visitors and locals alike.

Thoughtful design details will also be incorporated to preserve the natural beauty of the Hill Country, including intelligent climate systems as well as native, low-water consuming landscaping and plumbing fixtures to minimize environmental impact. Kimpton Fredericksburg will feature distinctive dining options, including a full-service restaurant and bar, along with a poolside bar and lounge. Additional amenities will include a 10,000 square-foot resort-style outdoor pool and deck, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a café with thoughtful takeaways. As with all Kimptons, the hotel will also feature perks such as Kimpton Social evening social hour, a “Forgot It? We’ve Got It!” program, in-room yoga mats and pet-friendly policies.

Kimpton Fredericksburg, just 90 minutes from Austin and San Antonio, will offer over 18,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor flexible event space, including an event barn, pre-function spaces, meeting rooms, a rooftop lounge and outdoor gathering areas. With 210 guest rooms and Kimpton’s expertise in delivering genuine hospitality and memorable events, Kimpton Fredericksburg will be the first in the region to pair large format accommodations and a full-service events program under one roof – making it the ideal destination for weddings, celebrations, local events and benefits, and corporate retreats.

With expansive natural landscapes and rolling hills as its backdrop, Fredericksburg enchants visitors with its historic architecture, locally-owned boutiques and antique shops, inspired art galleries and farm-to-table cuisine. The Texas Hill Country is also one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the United States and Fredericksburg is hailed as the epicenter of Texas Wine Country. With more than 75 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms nearby, visiting wine enthusiasts can sip acclaimed vintages while taking in the surrounding scenery. Guests who instead seek outdoor adventures can immerse themselves in golfing, fishing, horseback riding or hiking at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. As part of The Meuse, business and leisure travelers staying at Kimpton Fredericksburg will also have convenient access to the mixed-use development’s more than 70,000 square feet of retail and dining space – all designed to complement and serve as an extension of downtown’s Main Street.

AppFolio earlier this month released its 2025 AppFolio Renter Preferences Report, a look at the amenities and services that multifamily renters most want. And topping the list? Anything that makes renters’ daily lives easier.

This year’s report includes insights from more than 2,000 U.S. renters. It’s goal is to give property managers an edge in a competitive market shaped by rising costs, higher vacancies, and slower rent growth.

Residents Want Services That Offer Convenience in Their Daily Lives

According to the AppFolio report, today’s renters expect property managers to offer a digital, consumer-friendly experience similar to what they receive from retailers and on-demand applications. However, the availability of these services – like renter rewards programs, security deposit alternatives, and prompt maintenance support – is still limited, presenting a gap for property managers to fill.

• Residents who are satisfied with their property manager are 73% more likely to plan to renew their lease. Similarly, those who are satisfied with maintenance are 71% more likely to say they are planning to renew their lease, and 86% of renters who are satisfied with communication about maintenance issues are also satisfied with their property manager.
• Despite online payments becoming more common, 39% of renters still pay rent through traditional methods like cash or check, with 59% of those renters reporting that online payments are not available to them.
• When considering a new rental, renters report the most valuable financial services to them are online rent payment (86%), rent reporting (72%), renter rewards programs (72%), flexible rent (69%), and security deposit alternatives (65%).

Modernizing the Moving Experience Is an Untapped Opportunity

Moving is a highly stressful part of the rental journey and while digital move-in services can greatly reduce this burden, they remain underutilized. Those who use them overwhelmingly find them helpful.

• While 35% of renters plan to move from their current housing, primarily seeking better living spaces or lower rent, 44% of those choosing to renew their leases cite the high cost of moving as their main reason for staying.
• Three-fourths of renters have experienced challenges during the move-in process, with setting up utilities being reported as the top issue.
• Fewer than 30% of renters have completed their move-in tasks through digital tools, yet 80% of those who have used them found the digital tools beneficial.

Understanding Generational Differences Is Key to Meeting and Exceeding Resident Expectations

Gen Z is on track to become the largest renter demographic by 2030. With accessing homeownership continuing to be a challenge, many see rental homes as long-term residences and expect homes that use technology to improve everyday life.

• 71% of Gen Z renters consider digital move-in services important, compared to 58% of Millennials, 53% of Gen X, and 34% of Baby Boomers.
• When evaluating a new rental, 69% of Gen Z are interested in smart home technology, compared to 58% of Millennials, 50% of Gen X, and 46% of Baby Boomers.
• 77% of Gen Z renters prioritize flexible rent, in contrast to 67% of Millennials, 49% of Gen X, and 37% of Baby Boomers.

“Residents expect fast, easy, and personalized experiences—and our report shows that demand is only growing,” said Stacy Holden, Vice President, Industry Principal at AppFolio. “Property managers that meet and exceed resident expectations will not only address current gaps in service but also attract new renters and build stronger relationships with existing residents.”

KeyBank Real Estate Capital (KBREC) secured a $28 million Freddie Mac floating rate loan for Presidium, a Texas-based real estate developer, to refinance existing debt on a multifamily property in Harlingen, Texas.

Valor at Harlingen is a 288-unit, garden style apartment complex that consists of 13, three-story residential buildings. Built in 2013 and situated on 16.40-acres, the property includes a clubhouse, maintenance and storage buildings, and seven garage buildings.

The $28,020,000 ($97,292/unit) non-recourse, first mortgage loan is structured with a five-year term, and subsequent to a three-year interest only period, amortizes on a 35-year schedule.

Patrick McFarland and Benjamin Baxter of KeyBank Real Estate Capital arranged the financing.

Cinnaire closed a $340 million Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) multi-investor fund (Fund 43)—the largest investment fund in the organization’s 32-year history.

Designed to create housing that provides people a safe, stable place to call home, this fund will finance 33 developments across 11 states, providing 2,455 affordable housing units supporting more than 5,400 individuals and generating more than $844 million in local economic activity.

This milestone closing reaffirms the critical role the LIHTC program plays in addressing the nation’s housing crisis and highlights the commitment of both developer and investor partners to creating communities that serve families, seniors, and people with special needs. Fund 43 demonstrates Cinnaire’s strong regional partnerships and national impact. Notably, 90% of the investments are with repeat developer partners.

“For nearly four decades, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit has been the cornerstone of affordable housing development,” said Ryan Robinson, President, Cinnaire Equity Partners. “The support from our developer and investor partners in Fund 43 reaffirms the important role LIHTC plays in addressing our nation’s housing crisis. By investing in affordable housing, we’re simultaneously creating new jobs, stimulating local economies, and promoting long-term stability in our communities.”

Fund 43 will support transformative developments including:

Haven on Main – La Crosse, WI (Rendering attached)

Haven on Main is a 70-unit mixed-income community including 59 affordable units and 11 market-rate units. Eighteen units are reserved for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans, and those experiencing chronic homelessness. Half of the total units are designed to support independent living for adults on the autism spectrum, addressing the pressing housing need identified by Haven for Special People. The development will offer safety features, green space, therapy and fitness rooms, and job opportunities nearby. Full supportive services will be provided by CouleeCap, a trusted regional leader in housing and anti-poverty work, in partnership with Invista and Haven for Special People.

Imani Village Phase IV – Wilmington, DE

Located in New Castle County, Imani Village IV will deliver 84 new units—57 affordable and 27 market-rate—serving families as part of the Riverside community revitalization effort in Wilmington. Developed by Pennrose Properties in partnership with REACH Riverside and Wilmington Housing Authority, this project is aligned with Purpose Built Communities’ mission to transform neighborhoods of concentrated urban poverty. Supportive services will be offered through Kingswood Community Services. Imani Village IV is the fourth phase of Cinnaire’s partnership with Pennrose and a key component of Wilmington’s inclusive redevelopment plan.

Wellspring Recovery – Farmington Hills, MI

Wellspring Recovery will provide 72 affordable units in Oakland County, Michigan, including 60 units of permanent supportive housing (PSH) dedicated to individuals recovering from opioid addiction. The PSH units will be housed in a separate building divided by a natural green space and supported by project-based rental assistance from Maryland State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). Developed by MiSide and Southfield Nonprofit Neighborhood Corporation, the project will feature wrap-around recovery services and comprehensive support for residents. Wellspring marks Cinnaire’s third syndicated opioid recovery housing project and responds to Michigan’s urgent need for housing solutions in the wake of nearly 3,000 overdose deaths in 2023.

With the successful close of Fund 43, Cinnaire has now raised nearly $5.6 billion in LIHTC equity and leveraged more than $11.7 billion in community investment, strengthening its legacy of building thriving communities through mission-driven investment.

In recent months, the real estate sector has been swept up in a surge of legal challenges, particularly surrounding pricing practices and allegations of anti-competitive behavior. Three significant cases have emerged, shedding light on the potential risks and costs associated with these lawsuits for landlords and property management companies.

As a multifamily owner and operator, it is imperative to grasp the implications of these legal battles, especially concerning insurance coverage and the financial burdens they may impose.

Price-fixing

On December 5, 2024, a U.S. judge ruled that Yardi Systems, a leading software provider for property management, must confront a price-fixing lawsuit. The case alleges that Yardi conspired with landlords to manipulate rental prices through its widely used software. This lawsuit not only raises questions about the practices of software providers but also subjects the landlords who utilize these systems to intense scrutiny

The implications of such a lawsuit are profound. Even if the claims are ultimately deemed frivolous or unfounded, the legal fees associated with defending against such allegations can be exorbitant. For many real estate companies, these costs can escalate rapidly, straining financial resources and diverting attention from core business operations. The potential reputational damage can also deter prospective tenants, further complicating recovery efforts.

Antitrust

In a parallel development, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently filed a lawsuit against six large apartment owners/managers, accusing them of engaging in an algorithmic pricing scheme that allegedly harmed millions of renters. The DOJ claims that these landlords used sophisticated algorithms to coordinate pricing strategies, effectively stifling competition and inflating rental prices.

This case underscores the increasing scrutiny of pricing practices in the multifamily sector, particularly as technology becomes more integrated into property management. The potential for hefty fines and legal repercussions looms large, and the financial burden of defending against such claims can be crippling for landlords. The stakes are high, and the need for robust legal and insurance strategies has never been more critical.

Hidden fees

Adding to the legal landscape, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accused one of the largest property management companies in the U.S., of imposing hidden fees on tenants. The FTC’s lawsuit alleges that these fees are not transparently disclosed, leading to consumer deception and unfair business practices.

The financial implications here could be significant. The costs associated with legal defense, potential settlements, and reputational damage can have lasting effects on a company’s bottom line. As public awareness of these practices grows, the pressure on property management companies to maintain transparency and ethical standards intensifies.

The insurance coverage gap

For many real estate companies embroiled in these lawsuits, the financial ramifications extend beyond immediate legal fees. A critical concern is the lack of adequate insurance coverage to address these specific legal challenges. Most casualty insurance policies contain exclusions for antitrust claims, meaning that carriers may deny coverage for legal fees or defense costs associated with these lawsuits.

This exclusion poses a significant risk for landlords, apartment owners, and property management companies. As legal challenges become more prevalent, the potential for financial loss increases, and many companies may find themselves unprotected against the very lawsuits that threaten their operations. Understanding the nuances of insurance policies is essential to safeguarding against these emerging risks.

The recent legal challenges facing landlords and property management companies highlight the complex interplay between technology, pricing practices, and regulatory scrutiny in the real estate sector. As these lawsuits unfold, the financial implications for the companies involved can be severe, particularly in light of the potential for high legal fees and the lack of insurance coverage for antitrust claims.

As commercial risk advisors, it is essential to educate clients about these risks and the importance of understanding their insurance policies. In this evolving landscape, proactive risk management strategies will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by legal disputes and ensuring financial stability in an increasingly litigious environment.

If you are a multifamily owner or operator, now is the time to assess your insurance coverage and ensure you are adequately protected against these emerging legal challenges. Reach out to a specialist in commercial real estate insurance today to discuss your options and develop a risk management strategy tailored to your needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your investment and secure your future in this dynamic market.

The opinions and thoughts expressed here are those of the individual authors and should not be taken as legal advice. They are providing them based on their professional and personal experience. They do not represent the views or opinions of Marsh & McLennan Agency, its parent companies or any of its affiliated companies

Marshall Ballard is advisor, real estate, and Stephen McCord is executive vice president, real estate, with the Marsh McLennan Agency, a provider of business insurance with locations across the United States.