A New Way to Look at Student Housing

When people hear the term “student housing,” they often think of temporary spaces—dorm-style buildings with small rooms, shared bathrooms, and a revolving door of tenants who come and go every year. But at Kingsley + Co., we believe student housing can be much more than that. In fact, we see it as a powerful tool for strengthening communities, boosting local economies, and planting long-term roots in neighborhoods that deserve thoughtful investment.

As someone who benefited greatly from my time at the University of Notre Dame—both on and off the field—I know firsthand how much your environment shapes your experience. Student housing should be more than just functional; it should feel connected. And that means we need to rethink the way we design, develop, and position these properties.

The Student-City Relationship

In cities like Cincinnati and beyond, college campuses are often right in the heart of local neighborhoods. When done poorly, student housing creates tension—loud parties, neglected buildings, absentee landlords, and a sense of detachment between students and long-time residents. But when done right, student housing can bridge the gap. It can create connection.

At Kingsley + Co., we see every student housing project as an opportunity to build something that works not just for students, but for the entire community. That starts by asking better questions: How do we create housing that gives students a safe, supportive, and high-quality place to live—while also adding value to the neighborhood around them? How do we design spaces that encourage respect, collaboration, and shared responsibility?

These questions aren’t just idealistic—they’re foundational to our approach.

Creating Value Beyond the Campus

One of the most exciting parts of developing student housing is how it can anchor other investments. Think about it: students need places to eat, study, socialize, shop, and stay active. That means a thoughtfully placed student housing development can bring new life to retail corridors, local restaurants, green spaces, and public transit.

When we develop near a college or university, we aren’t just thinking about the building itself. We’re thinking about how that building can spark new energy in the area. We partner with small businesses and service providers. We think about walkability and access. And we look for ways to integrate public art, sustainability efforts, and community spaces that everyone can enjoy—not just students.

This isn’t about creating student bubbles—it’s about building bridges.

Respecting the Neighborhood

Of course, no project succeeds without the support and trust of the surrounding community. That’s why we’re intentional about community engagement every step of the way. We listen to longtime residents. We talk to neighborhood councils. We sit with small business owners and ask what they need. Because at the end of the day, a student housing development that doesn’t respect its environment is one that’s likely to fail.

In some of the neighborhoods we work in, student housing has historically been seen as an outsider presence—something that displaces families or drives up costs. We work hard to change that narrative by designing with intention, supporting local hiring, and ensuring our projects have long-term value for the community, not just for the university.

It’s about being a good neighbor—and teaching the next generation of students to be good neighbors too.

Investing in the Future

From a business perspective, student housing can be a smart, stable investment. Universities aren’t going away anytime soon, and many schools are facing housing shortages. But for me, the real payoff isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the people.

When we provide high-quality housing for students—especially those from underrepresented or first-generation backgrounds—we’re setting them up for success. We’re giving them an environment that supports learning, growth, and community. And in some cases, we’re placing them in neighborhoods where they can see opportunity all around them—maybe even picture themselves returning one day as professionals, homeowners, or community leaders.

That’s a kind of full-circle impact that really motivates me.

As we continue to grow Kingsley + Co.’s portfolio, student housing will remain a key part of our strategy—not because it’s easy, but because it’s meaningful. We believe in development that’s rooted in purpose. And we believe that when you bring intention, inclusion, and creativity to the table, student housing can become a true community asset.

We’re not just putting up buildings. We’re helping shape the future—one student, one neighborhood, and one project at a time.