Development Authority Approves Funding for Morehouse, Spelman Student Housing Facility

New 290-unit, 800-bed residence hall to provide relief for students facing limited on-campus housing options.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:15am

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The Development Authority of Fulton County has approved an investment of up to $144.46 million to build a new 290-unit, 800-bed student housing facility to serve Morehouse and Spelman College students in Atlanta. The proposed development will include amenities like study areas, a fitness center, community lounges, and green spaces, and is expected to create 14 permanent full-time jobs and 350 construction jobs.

Why it matters

For years, Morehouse and Spelman students have faced limited on-campus housing options, leading some to be 'homeless' during semesters. This new development aims to address that issue and strengthen Atlanta's higher education ecosystem by providing modern, purpose-built student housing to support student success and institutional excellence.

The details

The new student housing facility will be located at 850 West End Avenue and developed by Radnor Property Group, a Pennsylvania-based real estate firm. The 290-unit, 800-bed residence hall will include study areas, a fitness center, community lounges, gathering spaces, green space, and a rooftop terrace.

  • On Tuesday, the Development Authority of Fulton County approved the investment for the new student housing facility.

The players

Development Authority of Fulton County

The government agency responsible for approving the $144.46 million investment for the new Morehouse and Spelman student housing facility.

Kwanza Hall

The board chair of the Development Authority of Fulton County, who stated that the investment will help strengthen Atlanta's higher education ecosystem and advance economic opportunity.

Radnor Property Group

The Pennsylvania-based real estate developer that will be responsible for building the new 290-unit, 800-bed student housing facility.

Morehouse College

One of the historically Black colleges in Atlanta that will benefit from the new student housing facility.

Spelman College

One of the historically Black colleges in Atlanta that will benefit from the new student housing facility.

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What they’re saying

“This investment underscores the essential role that modern, purpose-built student housing plays in student success and institutional excellence. By supporting housing that serves Morehouse and Spelman students, Develop Fulton is helping strengthen Atlanta's higher education ecosystem while advancing economic opportunity, without placing additional burden on taxpayers.”

— Kwanza Hall, Board Chair, Development Authority of Fulton County (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

Officials have not provided a timeline for when the new student housing facility will be completed, but the project is expected to create 14 permanent full-time jobs and about 350 construction jobs.

The takeaway

This new student housing development represents a significant investment in supporting the educational and economic success of Morehouse and Spelman students, two of Atlanta's historically Black colleges. By providing modern, purpose-built housing, the project aims to address longstanding issues with limited on-campus options and strengthen the city's higher education ecosystem.