Mixed Use Student Housing Project Underway

Kennesaw officials announced that a new multi-use student housing project that will serve students and provide shuttle service to and from the university is ready to proceed and scheduled for completion by the fall 2013 semester.

The Sanctuary at Kennesaw wil occupy a recently-purchased 23.8-acre tract of land at the intersection of Cherokee and McCollum, according to a release. The development will include housing for 850 students as well as the Shops at Sanctuary, a planned 25,000-square-foot retail project.

Spearheaded by Mark Randall and John Long of South City Partners, the development team also includes CIMA Management and Carlyle Realty Partners.

The Kennesaw City Council At the meeting, CIMA Management Partner Marc Bensman addressed several Kennesaw residents concerned about the possibility of increased noise level and traffic.

Bensman said he would agree to many of the residents’ requests, including adding a privacy wall and planting 20-foot-tall Leyland cypress trees to combat any additional noise from the complex and maintain security. In order to address traffic concerns, Bensman said the complex would work with Kennesaw State to utilize a shuttle service for students residing in the area.

“The Sanctuary development fits perfectly with our long term vision of improving the Cherokee Street retail corridor as well as expanding housing opportunities for KSU students," Mayor Mark Mathews said in a statement. "South City Partners and CIMA Management have done a great job of responding to our goal of providing student housing in an accessible, safe and attractive environment."

According to the release, the development will include a mix of 3, 4 and 5-bedroom cottages as well as three and four-story lodge buildings surrounding a 3-acre central park. The space will also include a free-standing state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking a resort-style pool and grande lawn. Unit interiors will include 9-foot ceilings, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Other features will include a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse with individual and group study areas, plus a commercially managed network for Wi-Fi/internet access, the release said.

The development is located a mile and a half from the center of the Kennesaw State campus.