New Student Housing Project Breaks Ground in Knoxville

April 09, 2024

A new 235,000 sf student housing development has officially broken ground at Rocky Shore Lane and Cityside Lane in Knoxville, Tennesee. The two six-story structures will be situated along the Tennessee Riverfront directly across from the University of Tennessee campus in the burgeoning Knoxville South Waterfront neighborhood. The project is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2026 for the following fall semester.

The 605-bed project will feature floor plans ranging from studios to five bedrooms, each outfitted with modern fixtures and finishes. Amenities will include a resort-style pool deck, a full-court basketball court with sweeping views of the Tennessee River and the University of Tennessee campus, a state-of-the-art fitness center, ample study spaces, and more.

Senior Director of Rhode Partners, Bobby Tait, says, “We’re elated to expand our student housing design into the Knoxville market with this project in collaboration with Villas Student Housing and Student Quarters. This project exemplifies dynamic design that engages students and residents at the pedestrian level of the South Waterfront. Rhode Partners is honored to have played a role in this special project to bring elevated living near the University of Tennessee campus.”

The building design uses local materials such as brick and wood on the façade to relate to the existing neighborhood context. The ground floor will also feature walk-up townhomes and large windows with riverfront and campus views. This is the first student housing project in Knoxville for both Villas Student Housing and design firm Rhode Partners. The development team and Rhode Partners have collaborated on two other award-winning projects together in Austin.

“Villas could not be more excited to bring such a purposefully designed project to Knoxville. Every single design choice was made to maximize the experience of our future residents,” says Grant Zucker of Villas Student Housing. “This project represents countless hours of collaboration with the city and various stakeholders.” Sam Massaed of Villas Student Housing says, “The one-of-a-kind amenity offerings and in-unit design were driven by our continuous commitment to build projects beyond anyone’s expectations when it comes to student housing.”

See this coverage on Student Housing Business, WBIR and WATE.