C1 Development, GMH Communities Win Rezoning for 1,000-Bed Student Housing Project Near LSU
C1 Development, a wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus Real Estate Capital, and GMH Communities have received formal rezoning approval for a student housing development of up to 1,000 beds at 6800 Burbank Drive in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the companies announced Nov. 19, 2025.
The project is situated southeast of the Louisiana State University campus, near restaurants and retail in the surrounding area. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2026, with the community slated to open for the fall 2028 semester.
Project Design and Unit Mix
The development will consist of two-story boutique cottage and townhome-style buildings alongside three-story garden-style buildings. The structures will wrap around a central clubhouse and outdoor amenity area. Units will be offered in two-, four- and five-bedroom configurations and will feature high-end finishes and stainless-steel appliances.
On-site amenities are planned to include study rooms, a resort-style swimming pool, a fitness center, a resident lounge, a business center and parking spaces for every resident.
According to the announcement, the cottage-style component is intended to be the most design-focused development of its kind in the LSU market.
Developer Commentary
"Now more than ever, we recognize the pent-up demand for quality, Class-A housing in this market," said David Helfrich, President of C1 Development. "With accessibility to the campus and easy access to retail establishments, we're confident that the development will provide residents with an elevated living experience that promotes academic excellence."
"We're excited to partner with C1 to help create a community that meets the unique needs of student renters," said Steve Behrle, Chief Development Officer of GMH Communities. "Through this collaboration, we are bringing a new student-focused development to LSU and the Baton Rouge community, offering a space where students can thrive in an environment that fosters both academic and social success."
Market Context
The developers cited LSU's growing student population as a driver of demand, noting that the university recently recorded its largest freshman class to date.
GMH Communities, headquartered in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is a privately held real estate company that has participated in more than 300 transactions representing more than $8.6 billion of gross asset value across all major property types since 1985, according to the firm. C1 Development is a developer of high-quality multifamily housing assets in both the conventional multifamily and student housing sectors.
No financial terms for the Baton Rouge project were disclosed in the announcement.
Sources: PR Newswire, Nov. 19, 2025