Blog entries

We Are Proud to Welcome Geoff Eisenacher as the VP of Business Development

Audrey Nardecchia — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:49:41 +0100

Mr. Eisenacher is Vice President of Business Development and is responsible for establishing relationships, seeking new management opportunities and forming future business opportunities for Asset Campus Housing.

Prior to joining the team, Mr. Eisenacher served as Assistant Vice President at Campus Living Villages, a national provider of privatized management and development of on-campus student housing, part of a global student housing network spanning the United States, Australia, the UK and New Zealand. In this role, he was responsible for various duties that included Portfolio Operations, Business Development and Special Projects.

Mr. Eisenacher started his career as a Resident Advisor for Allen & O’Hara, Inc. (EDR) and also worked for the Bromley Companies in various roles including General Manager and Director of Housing. Mr. Eisenacher holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from Ohio University. He is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the state of Texas.

Property Management in 2011

Audrey Nardecchia — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:25:23 +0100

Be sure to check out our January 2012 Asset Report that features the latest news here at Asset Campus Housing. The report features our upcoming student housing developments at Morgantown, West Virginia, Fayetteville, Arkansas and Lubbock, Texas.

With a tremendous growth in 2011 we had the opportunity to bring on board a number of talented individuals. With the new individuals in place, we began a new training and development program that focuses on the A+ standard of property management. The program teaches onsite employees the core values of our company and how to effectively manage and maximize the value of their property.

The Report also mentions our company's most recent involvement with Charity Water, a non profit organization that focuses on bringing clean drinking water to those in developing nations. Our company goal is to raise over $50,000 for the non-profit by mid April. We believe in our staff members and residents to work together in achieving this goal!

Click the image below to read the entire report:

Stress relief at student housing communities

Audrey Nardecchia — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:03:55 +0100

It's that time of the year again, the time when students fall asleep on their keyboards in order to try and cram one more hour of studying in before that final exam.

With all the anxiety and stress that goes along with the final preparation for these end of the semester exams, students sometimes forget to eat. We have noticed at many student housing properties that students will wake up very early and head of to school with an apple in hand and not return home until 2 in the morning with a bag of Whataburger, or whatever fast food place is open past normal business hours.

At our Asset Campus Housing properties, we like to help students stay cool, calm and collected during finals week by hosting resident events that relieve stress - most of these involve food. For example, Knight's Circle hosted a Breakfast Bar that had over 20 different items for students to choose from, and also passed out stress balls for students to hold onto and play with. Other properties host pizza nights and bbq nights so that residents can walk down the hall to grab a quickl dinner instead of taking away precious study time to go pick up food.

Needless to say, students love free food... and it tastes even better when it comes during finals week!

YouTube for educating student housing residents

Audrey Nardecchia — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:18:06 +0100

This week's video features the staff at Knight's Circle in Orlando, Florida teaching residents how-to turn off their water.

Some people may think an overflowing toilet is a quick-fix, however, the staff at Knight's Circle shared with us that many of their residents call in panic mode when their toilets overflow. Therefore, Orlando student housing management team created an educational how-to video on YouTube to help students out in case of an emergency!

Check out this two minute video on "How-to turn off your water in case of emergency."

Asset Campus Housing student housing property near KU is recognized as "Best Apartment"

Audrey Nardecchia — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:13:19 +0100

Congratulations to the team at The Connection at Lawrence for being recognized as the "Best Apartment" by students at the University of Kansas!

The University Daily Kansan annually polls students on their opinion of the "Best of ... Apartments, Restaurants, Grocery Stores, etc." and for the second year in a row, The Connection at Lawrence has received the most votes for KU's "Best Apartments."

With a list of amenities including two swimming pools, a heated spa, a game Room with Buck Hunter, Golden Tee, billiards, ping pong, and 70" TV - what more could a KU student want?

YouTube used as an online marketing brochure

Audrey Nardecchia — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 03:04:13 +0100

Thank you to the ACH team at Legends at SFA for contributing this week's student housing YouTube video. Legends at SFA recently hosted a Grand Opening event where they signed over 100 leases! Part of the success was due to tremendous outreach marketing as well as a powerful social media campaign that attracted a large following.

Last week we showed the video of Knight's Circle and the CAs using YouTube to promote their resident events, this week we are going to show you how one of our properties used YouTube as an online marketing brochure.

The Legends at SFA is a new development that will be completed in fall of 2012, so the current leasing team had no physical unit to walk through and show students. Some may have seen this as an obstacle, however the ACH team created an engaging one minute video that serves as an online brochure. Most college students are visually stimulated, and when you add a pretty catchy theme song in the background, you are able to keep them engaged for at least a minute.

Even though every prospective resident was handed a brochure with images and floor plans when they walked in, each of them still stopped to watch the video displayed on the flat screen TV! YouTube is a great way to capture the student housing resident's attention, and it is also a FREE way to have one more online marketing brochure!

ACH Student Housing Developer featured in 'Student Housing has a strong foundation' article

Audrey Nardecchia — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:13:40 +0100

AUSTIN – There is little doubt that multifamily is the “it” sector in real estate these days – developers and investors alike are finding a lot to like with this particular product. And experts tell GlobeSt.com that one multifamily sub-sector – student housing – is also attractive to investment and developers, though for different reasons.

“There are more kids turning 18 than ever before,” comments Patton K. Jones, principal with Apartment Realty Advisors’ student housing division in Austin. As a result, while the other sectors struggled through the Great Recession and the sub-prime mortgage fall-out, “student housing held up very well because the sheer number of kids coming to school has increased steadily,” Jones says.

Not only is enrollment at major universities hitting outrageous markets, mid-size universities and schools are starting to see that same increase. “The major schools like University of Texas (in Austin) are capped and can’t handle any more kids,” Jones notes. “So they’re sending kids to feeder schools.” The “feeder schools” in Texas are in a great number of secondary cities, such as San Antonio, Lubbock and Arlington.

While many of these colleges and universities have student housing on campus (and near campus), much of that is not enough or old. “We all know universities are facing budget issues,” says Barrett O. Kirk, senior vice president – development with Houston-based Asset Plus Cos. “Raising capital to renovate existing facilities, much less finding capital for new facilities is difficult.”

As a result, these institutions of higher learning are trying a variety of solutions such as public-private partnerships between developers, and turning to off-campus housing that’s close by to house students. Kirk and Jones agree on one thing – and that’s developers are starting to become more aware of that demand and are starting to take action. “We’re seeing developers build in urban and suburban environments,” Jones remarks. Kirk, whose company builds off-campus multihousing, agrees: “When enrollment is growing and the market’s improving we often see a light switch and two, three, four developers coming in and building in a given market.”

Kirk goes on to say that developing a multihousing complex for students as opposed to conventional multihousing. Designing conventional multihousing requires that more money be put into unit amenities such as hardwood floors and granite countertops. When it comes to student housing, however, “we take the money we’d normally spend on multifamily units and spend it on amenities,” Kirk says. “Larger pools, game rooms, simulators and study lounges.”

The good news for this sector, both experts note, is that there is still enough demand to justify more supply. But both experts also point out that student housing isn’t something that any operator or developer just jumps into. Kirk says student housing is a full-time leasing operation: Almost the minute students move in, renewals are rolled out for the next fall.

Jones says the recession has done a pretty good job of weeding out the chaff from the student housing wheat, though. “We’re not seeing amateurs building student housing,” he comments. “We’re seeing strong players with pedigrees who have been in the business for awhile.”

Is YouTube the new Evite for resident events?

Audrey Nardecchia — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:44:44 +0100

Asset Campus Housing thrives on increasing attendance at resident events in order to enhance the overall living experience at their student housing communities. Some unique ways that the properties are reaching their residents is by posting videos on YouTube.

We love how Knights Circle, a student housing property near the University of Central Florida, used a YouTube video to invite residents to an upcoming Fall Carnival.

Could YouTube be the new Evite for resident events?

Great job Knights Circle - wish we could come!

ACH brings on New Regional Marketing Director

Audrey Nardecchia — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:21:30 +0100

ACH focuses on recruiting the industry's top talent to oversee our portfolio, therefore we are excited to announce our most recent addition to the ACH team, Emily Thron!

Emily Thron joins Asset Campus Housing’s student housing division as a Regional Marketing Director based out of Orlando, Florida.

Emily serves as a direct aide to management and on-site personnel while overseeing all leasing and marketing activities at the property and surrounding community.

Emily is a graduate from the University of Maryland and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing.

A Special Dedication to Asset Plus Companies and 25 Years

Audrey Nardecchia — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 02:21:09 +0100

ACH receives management of The Reserve at College Station

Audrey Nardecchia — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:11:24 +0100

Asset Campus Housing is currently the largest student housing operator in the College Station market, and is pleased to announce they will now be managing another property in the familiar market.

The Reserve at College Station, formerly known as Aspen Heights, is a community full of four bedroom cottages with over 476 beds. The community serves students attending both Texas A&M University and Blinn College.

ACH has a successful track record for leasing properties in College Station, Texas, with a leasing average of 99% and a renewal average of 40%. The team looks forward to another leasing success story at The Reserve at College Station this leasing season!

Asset Campus Housing Participates in Houston Walk Now for Autism Speaks

Audrey Nardecchia — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:46:57 +0100

Asset Campus Housing team members participated in last Saturday's annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks event. Based on the success of the company’s 2010-2011 campaign to raise funds and awareness for Autism Speaks, our company was featured as one of the walk’s largest corporate sponsors.

Over 30 Asset team members showed up at the walk with the support of their friends and family members. The team alone raised over $3,000 for the walk and combined with all of the other teams raised a total of over $300,000 for Autism Speaks.

Autism Speaks estimates that autism affects one child out of every 110, “making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism.”

Autism Speaks is a non-profit that is near and dear to the hearts of many of our Asset employees and the annual walk is an opportunity for all of us to take a step in the right direction for advancing the research into the causes, treatments and a cure for autism.

Congratulations to Asset Plus Companies for being recognized on the Inc. 500|5000 List

Audrey Nardecchia — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:18:26 +0100

Congratulations to Asset Plus Companies for being recognized on Inc. Magazine's 500|5000 list as one of the nation's fastest growing companies!

Asset Plus Companies was the only Houston real estate firm to make the list and is excited to share the recognition with all who have been involved with the company's growth over the past 3 years.

“We are honored to be recognized on such a prestigious list of America’s fastest growing companies and share this recognition with all who have played a pivotal role in the company’s growth including our customers, clients and employees” said Michael S. McGrath, President and Chairman of Asset Plus Companies.

Today, the company oversees a portfolio of close to 200 properties located across the nation. This portfolio contains approximately 32 million square feet of space representing property values of over $1.5 billion in multifamily, student housing, office, industrial, retail, and other property types.

ACH is assigned management of two student housing communities in Orlando, Florida

Audrey Nardecchia — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:15:41 +0100

Asset Campus Housing is proud to manage two new student housing communities; Knight’s Circle and The Pointe at Central located in Orlando, Florida.

Knight’s Circle has 2,532 beds in fully furnished two-, three-, and four bedroom room units. The community is less than a mile away from the University of Central Florida and is conveniently located on the UCF shuttle route.

The Pointe at Central has 1,224 beds and is within walking distance of the University of Central Florida. Amenities at the community include a 24 hour clubhouse complete with a state-of-the-art fitness center, game room, business center, two resort-style pools, basketball court and sand volleyball court.

ACH Receives 2011 MHN Tech Choice Award for Best Mobile App

Audrey Nardecchia — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:31:04 +0100

Multi Housing News recently announced their 2011 Tech Choice Award Winners and we are proud to announce that our ACH iPhone App won the Best Mobile App" of 2011.

Multi Housing News states that "As technologies for our industry grow and evolve to meet our constantly changing needs, the playing field becomes more competitive. The companies here are the ones that have been rated highest by our readers."

The iPhone app as well as our survey and SMS messaging systems are some of the many ways that ACH continues to be a leader in providing the most innovative resources in the student housing industry.

ACH is assigned management of 867 bed student housing community in College Station, Texas

Audrey Nardecchia — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:36:48 +0100

Vesper Holdings(”Vesper”), a privately-held real estate investment firm based in New York City, recently acquired Campus View Apartments and named Asset Campus Housing as the management company.

Campus View sits one mile away from Texas A&M University and is a mix of garden-style and townhome apartments. With over 867 beds onsite, Campus View provides housing for both students and young professionals in the Bryan-College Station community.

ACH plans to integrate new technologies throughout the units and clubhouse, as well as renovate both interior and exterior features of the property to enhance the overall living experience at Campus View.

ACH has moved office buildings!

Audrey Nardecchia — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 01:58:31 +0100

Asset Campus Housing is now located at:

675 Bering Drive

Houston, TX 77057

Come by and check out the new office if you are nearby!

Asset Campus Housing enters a new student housing market with management of Paseo Place in San ...

Audrey Nardecchia — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:34:26 +0100

Paseo Place is the first student housing management assignment for Asset Campus Housing in San Diego, California and the team anticipates welcoming students back home in the fall.

Paseo Place provides fully furnished units for students attending San Diego State University, Mesa College, Grossmont College and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Asset Campus Housing is an affiliate of Houston-based Asset Plus Companies, a third party property management firm specializing in real estate services for investors, developers, and owners.

Visit Paseo Place's website at: paseoplaceatsdsu.com/

ACH Discusses Student Housing Development with Design Develop Construct Journal

Audrey Nardecchia — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:52:29 +0100

Asset Campus Housing was recently featured in the Summer 2011 edition of the Design Develop Construct Journal.

Senior Vice President, Barrett Kirk, commented on Asset Campus Housing's two most recent student housing development projects 25Twenty and the Domain at Town Centre. Kirk stresses the importance of finding the best site available even if that means "buying an existing project, tearing it down and redeveloping it." Asset Campus Housing capitalizes on sites that are close to their adjacent universities.

Along with location, Kirk mentions that an emphasis on detail and amenity-rich communities are what students are seeking these days. For instance, 25Twenty in Lubbock, Texas, offers students a 9,600 square foot clubhouse that includes a game room packed with amenities including a Full Swing golf simulator, pro-style sand volleyball court, theatre room with stadium seating, business center with both Macs and PCs, apremiere excercise facility and a delicious frozen yogurt machine!

To read the full story, please visit page 48 on: http://www.ddcjournal.com/issues/summer2011/

Asset Plus and Asset Campus Housing announce the sale of The Lofts at Wolf Pen Creek

Audrey Nardecchia — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:47:42 +0100

The sale of The Lofts at Wolf Pen Creek, a 683-bed mixed-use student housing community near Texas A&M University, was finalized in June of 2011.

Asset Campus Housing, an affiliate of Houston-based Asset Plus Companies, sold The Lofts at Wolf Pen Creek to The Scion Group based in Chicago, IL.

In addition, Asset Campus Housing has recently completed its latest development, 25Twenty, in Lubbock, Texas, and has broken ground on its next student housing development near West Virginia University, The Domain at Town Centre.