Core Spaces has secured financing and commenced construction on Hub Athens Dougherty, a large-scale, purpose-built student housing development located near the University of Georgia. The project is planned to deliver in 2028 and is designed to accommodate 1,656 student beds.
According to Multifamily News, Hub Athens Dougherty will comprise 536 residential units within a mid-rise configuration. The community will offer a range of layouts from studios to five-bedroom apartments, combining higher-end floor plans with more budget-conscious options to appeal to a broad mix of student residents. The unit program is intended to give students flexibility in both size and pricing while maintaining a consistent level of purpose-built student housing quality.
The development’s amenity package is expected to be a major differentiator. Plans call for more than 27,000 square feet of interior amenity space, along with an additional 20,000 square feet of outdoor amenities. Interior spaces will include study lounges, group study rooms, and designated fitness and wellness areas to support both academic and lifestyle needs. Exterior amenities will feature a resort-style rooftop pool and a variety of common areas aimed at encouraging interaction and a sense of community among residents.
In addition to the residential and amenity components, Hub Athens Dougherty will incorporate 16,000 square feet of retail space. The inclusion of ground-level retail is positioned to enhance the surrounding area by bringing services and activation to the immediate streetscape, while also providing on-site conveniences for students living in the building.
Core Spaces is working with a group of established development and design partners on the project. Key contributors include Mallory & Evans, JNS Realty, and Northworks Architects, which are involved in various aspects of development and design. Construction is being executed through a joint venture between Core Spaces and Juneau Construction Company.
On the capital side, financing for Hub Athens Dougherty was provided by Affinius Capital. The financing was arranged by TSB Capital Partners, which structured the capital stack to support both the construction phase and the long-term delivery of the 1,656-bed community. While specific loan or investment terms were not disclosed, the closing of financing allowed Core Spaces and its partners to move directly into active development.
With a large bed count, significant amenity square footage, and integrated retail, Hub Athens Dougherty represents a substantial new supply of purpose-built student housing for the University of Georgia area. The project highlights ongoing institutional interest in student housing as a dedicated asset class and underscores the continued role of specialized capital providers and advisors in bringing large university-adjacent developments to fruition.
