Following a competitive procurement process, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) announces it has awarded a new student housing development opportunity on its Murfreesboro campus to The Annex Group®, a leading impact housing developer that creates affordable, workforce and purpose-built student housing communities.
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said that he looks forward to working with The Annex Group to bring forward the institution’s vision for the new Womack Lane Commons. The next step is securing approval of the ground lease for the project, which would allow the university to lease its land for private development. The lease will be considered by the State Building Commission in November, clearing the way for construction to begin early next year if approved.
“In a time of constrained public resources and evolving campus needs, public private partnerships allow us to do more, do it better, and do it faster,” he said. “These partnerships are not simply a trend in higher education; they are a strategic necessity.”
Plans for the community include 554 beds of semi-suite and suite-style living units in a combination of private and shared bedrooms. The Annex Group is the developer, general contractor, facility manager and asset manager for the community. MTSU will provide residence life, leasing and assignments to provide a seamless experience for students.
“We are honored to be selected for this important project at MTSU,” said Jason Taylor, Managing Partner, Public Private Partnerships (P3) for The Annex Group. “Our plans for this community were created with MTSU’s goals for its students in mind, and focus on affordability, wellness and student success. We are grateful to collaborate with the University and our project partners to create a transformational addition to the campus.”
Located at the corner of Homecoming Drive and Blue Raider Circle, the planned new residential community will act as a vibrant gateway to campus connecting to adjacent academic, recreation, parking and a future residential village. Designed by Smith Gee Studios and SCB, the project will include a staffed front desk, entry and floor lounges, community kitchen, laundry room, private and small group study spaces, landscaped courtyard, and MTSU residence life offices.
The new development will replace the aging Womack Lane Apartments, which were built nearly five decades ago with a capacity of 250 residents.
The Annex Group and MTSU will continue to work closely together throughout the planning, design, financing, construction and operations of this development project. Construction is anticipated to begin in January 2026 with completion scheduled in time for the fall 2027 semester.
