Preiss Expands "Signature" Brand with Dual-Market Developments Near NC State and UT Knoxville

Slated for Fall 2027, Signature at Varsity and Signature on Grand Feature Premier Location, High-Tech Smart Home Infrastructure, Best-in-Class Amenities and Elevated Student Living Spaces

RALEIGH, N.C. and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Preiss, a leading national student housing and multifamily owner, developer, and operator, in partnership with boutique real estate investment and development firm FD Stonewater, is proud to announce its latest residential developments: Signature at Varsity in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Signature on Grand in Knoxville, Tennessee. Both properties are slated for delivery in Fall 2027, bringing a combined 1,207 beds of high-end, purpose-built student housing to two of the nation's most prominent university markets.

Signature at Varsity | Raleigh, NC

Located at 1400 Crest Road, Signature at Varsity boasts an unmatched, flagship location directly across from NC State's Greek Village. This 679-bed development is designed to be the premier residential hub for the university's Greek Life and student leaders, offering a blend of high-energy social spaces and wellness-focused amenities just steps from campus. Residents will enjoy a rooftop pool and poolside jumbotron, a two-story fitness center, and expansive courtyard spaces. Additional highlights include a putting green, collaborative lounge spaces, and a first-in-the-market Lenovo Esports gaming lounge.

Signature on Grand | Knoxville, TN

Signature on Grand, located at 1727 Grand Avenue, offers an off-campus residential retreat nestled in the Fort Sanders neighborhood. The 528-bed development provides students with easy access to the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK), while offering welcome relief  from the frequently congested Cumberland Avenue corridor. Its unmatched location will allow residents to enjoy a neighborhood setting without sacrificing accessibility to campus. The property will feature a courtyard pool with poolside jumbotron, a two-story fitness center, and outdoor TV lounge areas. To support an active and balanced student lifestyle, the community will also feature dedicated study spaces as well as a bike and e-scooter storage facility.

Elevated, Tech-Forward Living

Both Signature properties are thoughtfully designed for the modern student, offering a wide range of options including studio, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-bedroom floor plans. Every unit comes fully furnished with a premium furniture package and elevated finishes, such as hardwood-style flooring throughout, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and LED vanities. Select floor plans at both locations will also feature private patios or balconies, walk-in closets, and glass shower enclosures.

The living experience is bolstered by a tech-forward smart-home infrastructure designed for both convenience and sustainability. Residents will benefit from mobile-wallet integrated smart locks that allow for seamless, keyless entry to both individual units and bedrooms. This high-tech experience is further supported by smart thermostats and direct fiber-to-unit internet connectivity delivering ultra-fast speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

Beyond the individual units, the communities support eco-conscious living through advanced leak detection systems and on-site EV charging stations. Community areas will be further enhanced by innovative partnerships, including Living Plant Walls powered by Miravel and Intelligent Vending powered by Tulu, providing residents with on-demand access to household essentials and equipment rentals.

"As a company rooted in Raleigh, we are especially proud to deepen our presence near NC State while simultaneously expanding our footprint at UT Knoxville," said Jeff Bartholomew, Executive Vice President of Development and Construction Services at Preiss. "Raleigh and Knoxville are two of the most dynamic university markets in the country, and we believe Signature at Varsity and Signature on Grand will meet the growing demand for premier, walkable, and tech-forward off campus housing options."

About Preiss

Preiss is a Raleigh, North Carolina-based leader in the development, acquisition, and management of conventional multifamily and off-campus student housing. With nearly four decades of expertise, the company is ranked the #11 largest privately held student housing owner-operator in the nation and manages a diverse portfolio across multiple states. For more information, visit https://preiss.com.

About FD Stonewater

FD Stonewater is a vertically integrated, full-service real estate platform with national capabilities in development, investment, and brokerage. Collectively, the firm's principals have been involved in more than $10 billion of investments and acquisitions, with a track record spanning more than $2 billion of active and completed development. For more information, visit https://fdstonewater.com.

SOURCE Preiss