Chad Baumer

As the closest off-campus housing community to Georgia Tech, Inspire Atlanta from developer Capstone Collegiate Communities and architect Niles Bolton Associates is infused with the comfort and conveniences that students need to thrive in an educational environment. With two buildings, the 239-unit, 750-bed community offers fully furnished residences ranging in size from studios to five-bedrooms with a variety of private and shared bath options to provide flexibility in terms of space and affordability.

Wrapped in an imaginative façade of glass and masonry that keeps with nearby architecture but also makes a statement, the exterior features an architectural fabric screen that covers the four-story, secured-access parking deck under the tower side of the building. At the low side of the building, a transportation lounge with an indoor covered waiting area creates a safe place for students as campus buses and ride-share services queue.

The refined interiors of Inspire Atlanta exhibit elevated design not often seen in student housing projects. Natural materials of warm wood, concrete, and mixed metals are accented with touches of navy and “Tech gold” to provide an inspiring palette. As a nod to Atlanta’s reputation as a “City in the Forest,” the project application notes, “the infusion of biophilia installations throughout was a way of tying the project back to the local greenery and bringing the outside in given the urban environment.”

Chad Baumer

Layered amenities follow the natural grade of the 3.5-acre site peaking with a rooftop pool and 360-degree views of Atlanta. Inside, residents access the building at the lower end and travel through various study spaces to a striking staircase that leads to reception and leasing. While amenities continue to cascade throughout the building, there’s a separation of academic and social spaces, allowing for a quieter area for focus when needed and areas to connect with friends and neighbors. On every level, study pods are also available near the resident elevators.

A large, outdoor courtyard connects lower-level amenities and is overlooked by an amenity deck on level five with active green space. Every third floor features a multi-height outdoor balcony giving visual relief to the building elevation and a space for residents to share. Students have access to a fitness center; a computer lounge and a business center; an outdoor bar with grills and fire pits; a game room; hammock lounges; and secure bike storage.