Morehouse and Spelman Colleges Break Ground on Joint Student Housing

The project at 850 West End Ave marks the first time the two historically Black institutions have collaborated on a residential environment. The development will feature 305 apartment-style units, ranging from studios to four-bedroom floor plans, complete with study rooms, fitness facilities, and communal green spaces. Construction is scheduled to begin this month, with an expected completion date for the fall 2028 semester.

For Morehouse and Spelman, the initiative is a strategic necessity. Both colleges have faced significant growth since 2020, straining existing housing capacity and pushing students toward expensive, distant off-campus options. By providing units with rents averaging 3% below the current market rate, the colleges intend to improve student safety and retention. The financing was finalized on July 1, 2026, through the issuance of tax-exempt and taxable bonds by the Development Authority of Fulton County, which will be loaned to a subsidiary of the Madrone Community Development Foundation.

The design and construction team includes a joint venture of Clark Construction and CD Moody Construction, with architecture led by Moody Nolan. This public-private model sets a new precedent for how premier institutions can pool resources to tackle infrastructure needs while maintaining their unique academic missions. The project is expected to play a vital role in supporting the long-term success of students within the Atlanta University Center Consortium.