Spelman and Morehouse Colleges Break Ground on Housing
The new $147 million residential complex on West End Avenue will provide 793 beds for students.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Construction
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Spelman and Morehouse Colleges have officially broken ground on The Den at 850 West, a new student housing complex in Atlanta. The $147 million public-private development is designed to address rising local housing costs while increasing capacity.
Why it matters
This project aims to directly tackle the housing affordability crisis facing Atlanta students by providing new, safe, and cost-effective residential options. By expanding on-campus capacity, the colleges hope to stabilize living costs for their student populations.
The Den at 850 West features a $147 million investment and will deliver 305 apartments containing 793 total beds. This development represents a significant expansion of residential capacity for students at the Atlanta University Center.
The players
Spelman College
This private historically Black liberal arts college for women is located in Atlanta and is a member of the Atlanta University Center.
Morehouse College
A private historically Black men's liberal arts college, Morehouse is also located in Atlanta and is a member of the Atlanta University Center.
Moody Construction
This firm serves as the lead builder for The Den at 850 West project.
The details
The complex is under construction on a lot on West End Avenue formerly utilized for homecoming activities. Builders are prioritizing local labor and equipment to complete the housing, which aims to improve overall safety and affordability for the campus community.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony held for the housing project.
October 2028: Expected completion date for the new student housing complex.
Market Landscape
This project aligns with the broader infrastructure growth across the Atlanta University Center campus. It positions these institutions to remain competitive in securing safe and affordable living options for students amid rising regional real estate costs.
Students can expect an increase in available on-campus housing options upon the project's projected completion in late 2028. This move may eventually help alleviate pressure on the local off-campus rental market near West End Avenue.
The takeaway
Large-scale campus housing investments often serve as a strategy to mitigate the impact of external urban housing cost surges on student budgets. Future residents should monitor the colleges' official portals for updates on move-in timelines and application processes as the 2028 completion date approaches.
What happens next
The project is currently scheduled for completion in October 2028.
Further reading
Learn more about local development trends on our Atlanta Construction page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta.
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Should local universities prioritize building affordable housing developments to reduce student living costs?
