A new luxury apartment community for University of Florida students has broken ground in Gainesville, Florida. Cascades Luxury Apartments, a five-story, sixty-seven-unit complex, began construction on the 22nd of March

Cascades will be owned and managed by Trimark Properties, a seasoned developer and property manager of Gainesville apartments near the University of Florida campus. Trimark collaborated with Fuglegerg Koch Architects and construction firm D.E. Scorpio Corporation for the fourteen-million-dollar project.

The 73,000-square-foot building will feature state-of-the-art design elements, challenging the composition of traditional student housing. Floorplans will vary from studios to four-bedrooms, with rents fluctuating between $1,045 to $2,900.  Its most notable amenities will be its outdoor balcony areas. The roof will act as a gathering place for residents, complete with lush landscaping, barstools and loveseats, ivy-wrapped gazebos and a fire bowl. The first floor will have an attached, multi-tiered terrace with a trickling waterfall, wading fountain and garden.

Inside, the building will have common study areas on the ground and first floors with both conference rooms and private study booths. The interior will also boast a lobby and elevator.

Each individual unit will include gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, built-in wine chillers and stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms will feature porcelain tile-surrounded showers, while living rooms will exhibit crown molding.

When asked about his experience planning Cascades, managing partner of Trimark Properties, John Fleming, emphasized the importance of designing apartments near the university with the tenants’ interests in mind. “The trends in student housing design have shifted from traditional, cookie-cutter features to modern apartments with luxury amenities that students can take pride living in,” said Fleming. “When designing Cascades, we envisioned a space where our residents will look forward to coming home to after a long day of class. We are excited to see our efforts pay off in the completed project.”

Cascades is the second ongoing project for the real estate company, who also began construction on their newest commercial property, a 50,000-square-foot office building called Ingenuity, just two weeks prior to Cascades. Cascades and Ingenuity join a portfolio of over 25 apartments and 20 commercial properties held and maintained by the investor.

Cascades will finish construction in summer of 2018.