Landmark Properties and Manulife Unveil The Metropolitan on South U for Upscale Student Living

In a strategic move that demonstrates Landmark Properties' growth trajectory and commitment to providing high-quality student housing, the firm has joined forces with Manulife Investment Management to introduce a new student living development, The Metropolitan on South U, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This 259-unit community, located at 1208 South University Ave, marks the sixth project within a successful build-to-core joint venture alongside the Manulife Infrastructure Fund pool.

With construction set to commence, Landmark Construction, the organization's in-house general contractor, will spearhead the initiative complemented by Myefski Architects' design expertise. Adding to the collaborative efforts, Peninsula Investments consolidates its relationship with Landmark through participation in this undertaking, thereby augmenting its investment presence in Landmark's student housing portfolio.

The project's strategic location promises to play a significant role in accommodating the University of Michigan's stable enrollment growth, as stated by Jason Doornbos, Chief Development Officer of Landmark Properties: "We are excited to move forward with construction on The Metropolitan on South U and bring much needed housing to the Ann Arbor market as enrollment growth at the University of Michigan remains steady. The well-located community is poised to add renewed vibrancy to the university ecosystem in Ann Arbor."

The Metropolitan on South U will offer students convenience and luxury, situated a stone's throw from pivotal university landmarks, including the Ross School of Business and the Michigan Diag. With an emphasis on high-end student living, the residential features reflect contemporary needs: fully-furnished units with modern amenities such as quartz countertops, premium flooring, top-of-the-line appliances, and prewired internet and cable access ensuring seamless connectivity.

Jonathan Kimball, Associate Director at Manulife IM, commented on the partnership's strength and the project's solid market potential, "We are proud to expand our partnership with Landmark with this development at the University of Michigan, supported by strong local market fundamentals and a premier location adjacent to campus."

Furthermore, Peninsula Investments' Managing Director, Juan Fernando Valdivieso, echoed the sentiment of strategic market placement, "We are excited to partner with Landmark on our second development at the University of Michigan, and ninth in 2025. Its proximity to Ross School of Business makes it an ideal location within Ann Arbor, a market with strong market fundamentals."

Beyond the comforts of home, The Metropolitan on South U will feature a broad spectrum of community amenities such as a clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, a resort-style pool, and a rooftop lounge. Additionally, the inclusion of 5,000 square feet of retail space introduces a commercial dimension to the development, ensuring a multifaceted and vibrant living environment for students.

This latest endeavor by Landmark Properties not only highlights the company's focused expansion within the student housing sector but also demonstrates the collaborative synergy between developers and investors dedicated to fostering quality residential communities near educational institutions.