University of California Berkeley

THE CHALLENGE

Campus Advantage was engaged in March 2011 to perform an analysis of a proposed 600-bed student housing development in Berkeley, California. The focus of the analysis was to determine whether a sufficient market existed for a new off-campus student housing project with a significant sustainability component (LEED Platinum and/or Living Building Challenge), and if the market conditions supported the investment required to develop such product.

 

THE SOLUTION

Campus Advantage’s research included a large-scale, statistically valid student survey; a university overview, including an enrollment trend analysis; and a market analysis, including both existing competitors and future construction. The aforementioned student survey included a large component dedicated to evaluating student opinion of a variety of sustainable FF&E options, including various community amenities and in-unit energy budgeting hardware. Additional components of this study included references to the city’s development plan for the subject site neighborhood and a review of the Living Building Challenge.

 

THE RESULT

Through extensive market research and analysis, Campus Advantage concluded that the proposed project appeared viable with a likelihood of success and supported this conclusion with collected market data and a financial pro forma for the property.