Uptown 408 – Reimagining Student Housing in Bryan-College Station

[Forrest Webber]

Investment Info:

Large multi-family (5+ units) commercial investment investment.

Purchase price: $1,600,000
Cash invested: $500,000
Sale price: $2,100,000

When we developed Uptown 408, we looked beyond the typical student housing model. Instead of replicating what already existed near Texas A&M, we asked: What would a more elevated living experience look like — blending proximity, design, comfort, and character?

That vision became a boutique 12-unit project steps from campus- thoughtfully built and fully leased in its first year.

100% leased in Year 1
$500K equity raised
$1.65M value created

Takeaway
Great returns often come from challenge

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

I saw an opportunity to elevate the student housing experience in a market saturated with cookie-cutter developments. We wanted to create something unique, boutique, and design-driven — and believed the market would respond.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

We sourced the lot off-market through a local relationship and secured favorable terms by positioning ourselves as experienced, design-forward developers with the capital ready to move quickly.

How did you finance this deal?

We raised $500K in equity from private investors and secured a local construction loan for the remainder of the capital stack.

How did you add value to the deal?

We added value by reimagining the design, targeting a higher-end niche, and delivering a walkable, stylish living experience that stood out in a traditional student housing market.

What was the outcome?

We delivered a fully leased property in year one, exceeded underwriting projections, and created $1.65M in value. Investors received strong equity upside and a stabilized asset in a prime location.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Designing for a higher-end demographic near a university required extra attention to finishes, layout, and long-term durability. Lesson: don’t compromise on quality — your tenants and investors notice.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Yes — we partnered with a local lender and general contractor who both specialized in small-scale infill developments. Their market knowledge and responsiveness were critical to the project’s success.