ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A joint venture between Landmark Properties and Manulife Investment Management has announced the start of construction on The Metropolitan on South U, a 259-unit, Class A student housing community located at 1208 South University Avenue in Ann Arbor.
The project marks the sixth build-to-core joint venture between Landmark Properties and the Manulife Infrastructure Fund pool, further strengthening a partnership focused on delivering high-quality, near-campus housing in top university markets. Construction is expected to begin imminently.
Landmark Construction, the in-house general contractor for Landmark Properties, will lead construction, with Myefski Architects serving as project architect. Peninsula Investments is also a partner on the development, expanding its growing investment footprint within Landmark’s national student housing portfolio.
“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,” said Jason Doornbos, Chief Development Officer of Landmark Properties. “The well-located community is poised to add renewed vibrancy to the university ecosystem in Ann Arbor.”
Situated just steps from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, the Michigan Diag, and a wide range of retail, dining, and entertainment options, The Metropolitan on South U is designed to serve students seeking walkable access to campus and downtown Ann Arbor.
The fully furnished residences will feature quartz countertops, hardwood-style laminate flooring, stainless steel appliances, in-unit laundry, and prewired internet and cable connectivity.
“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,” said Jonathan Kimball, Associate Director at Manulife IM.
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For Peninsula Investments, the project represents its second development at the University of Michigan and ninth student housing investment in 2025, underscoring continued confidence in the Ann Arbor market.
“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,” said Juan Fernando Valdivieso, Managing Director of Peninsula Investments.
The Metropolitan on South U will include a suite of lifestyle-driven amenities, including a clubhouse, modern fitness center, resort-style swimming pool, and a rooftop lounge offering multiple seating options for residents.
The development will also feature approximately 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, adding a mixed-use component designed to activate the streetscape and enhance the surrounding university district.
Once complete, the project is expected to contribute new housing supply to a market experiencing sustained enrollment growth and ongoing demand for modern, well-located student accommodations.
Originally reported by Yield Pro.
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