8 1/2 Canal Street: Brand New Student Housing Now Underway for VCU Students

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Gilbane Development Company has begun development on a new 285,000 square-foot student housing project across the street from Virginia Commonwealth University and less than 1/2 mile from the center of the Monroe Park Campus. The building, designed by Grant Architects, includes 160 units with 540 beds on 6 levels, and parking on 2 levels.

Units are configured in a mix of 1-4 bedrooms, with the majority of bedrooms featuring private baths.  Amenities include a Cyber Cafe, game room/clubhouse, fitness center and two private courtyard gardens.  An innovative residence life program by Campus Advantage offers students programs and activities designed to create a thriving student community. The eco-friendly project was designed with green principles in mind in accordance with the LEED® accreditation system.

"We're excited to offer students a modern environment including amenities which appeal to today's lifestyle, including flat screen televisions, in-unit washer-dryers, and full kitchens," says Robert V. Gilbane, Chairman and CEO of Gilbane Development Company.

8 1/2 Canal Street broke ground in early Spring and will be open to students before the Fall 2011 semester begins. For project updates and leasing information, visit www.8onehalfcanal.com.

Images of 8 1/2 Canal Street can be found at www.8onehalfcanal.com/images/1.jpg and www.8onehalfcanal.com/images/2.jpg.

About Gilbane Development Company

Founded in 1970, Gilbane Development is the project development, financing, and ownership arm of Gilbane, Inc.  Developing a wide range of projects for both institutional and corporate clients, Gilbane Development integrates the myriad components of the project delivery and ownership structure and guarantees the results. Completed projects incorporate every aspect of real estate including: residential communities, mixed-used developments, garage/parking areas, corporate headquarters, operational | data | distribution centers, R&D | manufacturing facilities, and many types of facilities delivered through public-private partnerships. To learn more, visit www.gilbaneco.com or call 1-800-GILBANE.

SOURCE Gilbane Development Company