Arizona State University

Since 2008, American Campus Communities has collaborated with Arizona State University to implement a long-term strategic housing master plan to support its transformative evolution into one of the world’s best public metropolitan research universities. Through our partnership, ASU has become a pioneer and standard bearer for privatized on-campus housing, and ACC has become a pioneer in financial transaction structures. 

Launching American Campus Equity

ASU desired a financial plan that would improve its housing options for students while preserving its balance sheet. ACC launched the American Campus Equity (ACE) program, which we have employed to own, develop, finance, construct and operate eight ASU projects with 8,226 beds. Under the ACE model, ACC is the owner of the projects through long-term ground leases and is 100 percent financially responsible. Via an annual master lease, ASU manages residence life programming, marketing and leasing, while ACC provides ongoing maintenance and capital improvements. This is all achieved using zero taxpayer dollars.

Developing a Dynamic Mix of Properties

Our developments offer students a wide variety of live-learn environments in which to build community and thrive. All projects are designed to ACC’s rigorous sustainability standards, and six are tracking to or have earned LEED certification.

• Vista del Sol: 1,866-bed, apartment community with retail delivered in 2008

• Barrett Honors College: 1,721-bed honors college, dining hall and retail delivered in 2009

• Villas at Vista del Sol: 400-bed townhome community delivered in 2012

• Casa de Oro: 365-bed residence hall and dining delivered in 2012 at the ASU West campus

• Manzanita Hall: Redevelopment of an 816-bed residence hall delivered in 2013

• Tooker House: 1,594-bed residence hall, dining hall and learning labs delivered in 2017

• Greek Leadership Village: 957 beds in 27 chapter houses delivered in 2018

• ASU West II: 507-bed residence hall opening in 2024 on the ASU West campus

Spotlight: Saving Manzanita Hall

One of the hallmarks of the ACC-ASU partnership was the redevelopment of Manzanita Hall. Through our innovative design and strategic transaction structure, we were able to transform this beloved but outdated landmark into a modern, amenity-rich community while preserving its original 1966 aesthetic.