Construction started on Chicago-based GEM Realty Capital’s $36M seven-story Broad Street mixed-use project (serving the University of Georgia) in downtown Athens. The student housing portion of the 375k SF residential, parking, and retail project will add 266 units (292 beds) for university students, says Juneau Construction CEO Nancy Juneau (construction firm for the project). BKV Group designed it. Pictured: Juneau founders (and spouses) Les Juneau and Nancy at the company's annual Juneau Crawfish Boil this May.

The 118k SF five-story student housing portion joins 18k SF of parking, and 10k SF of white box retail on the first level, Nancy tells us. An internal leasing office, postal facility, and open congregation areas will be provided, as well. Not to forget the amenities, there will be 22k SF for a clubhouse, social room, whirlpool, theater, mailroom, fitness room, outdoor deck, and grilling station. The project will open in August 2015.