Table of Contents August 2008

FEATURES

• Chain Of Events

  This time line highlights key dates in the ongoing dispute between the Philadelphia Housing Authority and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

   
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  After The Fall Out

  Dispute exposes potential regulatory abuse at HUD.

   

Cover Story

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  Learning Curve

  This month, just as it has every August for the past 15 years, American Campus Communities (ACC) will open its doors to welcome eager young college students ready to settle in for the new school year.

   

FROM THE EDITOR

• Mind The Gap

  More and more women are working in the multifamily industry—and rising in the ranks. That's a great sign.

   

NEWS + NUMBERS

Direct Reports

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  International Influence

  In mid-June, another vulture fund laid out plans to move into Florida and devour excess condos and land for a third of the price they once went for.

   

• Crime Watch

  Story points to Section 8 voucher hazards.

   

• Pac Attack

  In 1993, the National Multi Housing Council's (NMHC) political action committee (PAC) collected barely $10,000—hardly enough to make any kind of mark on the political landscape.

   

• News Bites: August 2008

  Irvine, Calif.-based Sperry Van Ness has expanded into Washington, D.C., by forming Sperry Van Ness/Advisory Real Estate Services. Industry broker Michael Sims will head the office.

   
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  Pay Day

  REIT CEO pay reflects market volatility, disparity between stock price and corporate performance.

   

Regional

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  City Of Opportunity

  Colorado Springs may be one of the nation's most promising markets.

   

PEOPLE + PLACES

Apartment Life

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  Pool Party

  Pools and spas are a top multifamily amenity, but new federal laws mandate making them safer.

   

Facelift

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  Dressed Up

  A historic symbol of affluence in Columbus, Ohio, is reinvented as contemporary luxury apartments.

   

Corporate Ladder

• Southern Charm

  RVP relocates to Atlanta for warmer climate and a magnitude increase in portfolio size.

   

SALES + SOLUTIONS

Done Deal

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  Long Time Coming

  After Ron Cohen closed on the first parcels of land he bought in the North of Massachusetts Avenue (NoMa) section of Washington, D.C., he faced a major problem with his lenders.

   

Tech Specs

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  Making The Grade

  Today's student housing tech offerings give clues as to what coeds will demand at their first apartments.

   

PRODUCT STUDIO

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  From Worn Out To Wow

  Aging kitchens and baths can be easily updated.

   

LANDMARKS

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  Landmarks: Mercantile Place on Main

  The Merc is a great example of the Art Deco sub-genre I call ‘streamlined civic heroic.'