National developer Portman today announces it has hired Rodney J. King as Senior Vice President to lead the company in its new venture focused on student housing development. King brings over 17 years of real estate experience to this newly established role for Portman, where he will focus on spearheading the growth of its student housing business line across the country. 

Throughout his career, King has successfully managed and directed the development and acquisition of projects valued at more than $3.2 billion across the United States. Prior to joining Portman, King held key roles at some of the nation’s leading student housing developers, including Greystar (EdR) and Core Spaces. While serving as Greystar’s Vice President of Development, King played a pivotal role in overseeing one of the largest on-campus developments in the United States, specifically Campus Village at the University of South Carolina. King held several roles at Core Spaces including Sr. Vice President of Development and Managing Director of Acquisitions.  During his tenure, he took the lead on some of their most prominent projects, such as oLive at Auburn University, and The Hub at Georgia Tech University. King's extensive experience and deep industry knowledge makes him a valuable addition to Portman as the company embarks on its entry into the student housing sector.

“Portman is one of the most innovative mixed-use developers in the country, and has continuously proven its expertise in identifying and developing premiere residential destinations,” said King. “There is an incredible development opportunity for sponsors with the capacity of Portman within the student housing sector, and I am eager to apply my experience in the industry to Portman’s proven platform to shape the future of this business.”

Market data shows the student housing sector continues to remain resilient despite economic headwinds. Average occupancies and pre-leasing rates have outpaced pre-pandemic values as the delivery of new product has slowed. With major universities reporting record enrollment and application numbers, these fundamentals position the sector for continued growth.

“Portman has a proven track record in developing exceptional mixed-use, multifamily, commercial, hospitality, industrial, and retail projects that create community and add to the unique character of each neighborhood,” said Harvey Wadsworth, Managing Director of Residential. “With Rodney onboard, we have the industry experience and development capabilities to target high-growth markets with a demand for new student housing product. We are confident that Rodney will be successful in leading this new venture and look forward to what this next chapter has in store.”

Portman is set to deliver Sora, its 370-unit luxury residential project in Midtown, next month. Sora comes as part of Spring Quarter, the master planned development and mixed-use development anchored by the historic HM Patterson Home and Gardens which is being reimagined for a new experiential retail concept. Portman is also underway on 1020 Spring, a 500,000-square-foot, Class-A office tower. 

Portman’s residential team currently has over 21 active projects in 9 markets across the country. The team has developed over 9.2 million square feet of multifamily development.

Earlier this month, Portman delivered its Atlanta Beltline office project, Junction Krog District, located directly across from Krog Street Market. The project includes 135,000 square feet of office space along with a 7,000-square-foot public porch overlooking the Eastside Trail. The team behind YEPPA&co and Panchegos recently announced that they will open its second YEPPA&co location at the project.   

To learn more about Portman, visit: https://www.portmanholdings.com.