In 2024, Gilbane advanced its mission of creating transformative public-private partnerships (“P3”) by collaborating with communities and institutions to tackle pressing challenges. Gilbane’s P3 team addresses critical social infrastructure needs through innovative client-focused solutions for government facilities, enhancing student housing across multiple campuses, and delivery of critical transit-oriented development and housing projects. These projects have delivered substantial benefits to our partners and the communities they serve, fostering economic growth and innovation.
Enhancing Service Offerings with Comprehensive Facilities and Property Management
In line with our ongoing growth strategy and enhanced service offerings, Inwood Management, a subsidiary of Gilbane Development Company, was formed in 2024 and is dedicated to creating and maintaining state-of-the-art learning and living environments. Specializing in comprehensive facilities management, Inwood Management focuses on property management, asset management, and operations. Our services include managing daily operations, optimizing asset performance, and implementing strategic plans to enhance the value and functionality of properties. By prioritizing the unique needs of our partners, our expert team delivers customized solutions that support success and foster thriving communities.
Delivering Transformative On-Campus Student Housing at Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University (“EMU”) and Gilbane proudly welcomed students to 700 brand-new beds on campus in the Fall of 2024. This milestone marks the completion of phase two of the Welcome Home EMU partnership—a $200 million public-private initiative aimed at revitalizing and expanding EMU’s on-campus housing. Gilbane delivered a comprehensive, vertically integrated P3 solution to EMU, encompassing design, build, finance, operate, and maintain (“DBFOM”). This project is a national model for holistic campus housing approach and one of the most transformative upgrades in the university’s history.
The first phase of this ambitious project modernized 2,025 existing beds and redesigned shared spaces to foster social interaction and community building. These enhancements support a diverse student population and promote overall well-being. By creating inviting communal areas, the project encourages students to connect, collaborate, and build lasting relationships, enriching the campus experience. Gilbane also engaged Eagle Energy Partners, as the Concessionaire, owned by CenTrio, for a 50-year sustainability infrastructure partnership, which included a $115 million upfront payment and $50 million to the University to improve sustainability, implement new energy conservation measures and reduce energy usage, modernize its energy grid, accelerate decarbonization, and address critical deferred maintenance.
The project utilized long-term, fixed-rate bonds to ensure affordability and financial stability. This strategic financial planning safeguards EMU’s future while providing high-quality housing for generations to come. The investment in on-campus housing not only benefits current students but also strengthens the university’s ties with the local community, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents.
“I think this (project) transforms our campus…. every student that I spoke to said ‘this exceeds our expectations’,” said Eastern Michigan University President James Smith.
Learn more about the Welcome Home initiative and its long-term benefits by visiting EMU Welcome Home 2025.
A Year of Progress at Amtrak’s William H. Gray III 30th Street Station Project
This time last year, the Gilbane Building Company team officially kicked off construction activities at the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station project with a celebratory event, marking the beginning of an exciting revitalization of a landmark transportation hub. As you travel through Gray 30th Street Station, you’ll notice the modernized platform-level elevators and escalators, along with restored historic finishes that enhance both the building’s functionality and aesthetics.
Aligned with Amtrak’s vision for its workspace, Gilbane Building Company’s design-build team has made significant strides in advancing corporate office design solutions. The year ahead holds more exciting developments, including the completion of additional platform-level elevator and escalator modernizations, the commencement of historic restoration activities in the main concourse, and the eagerly anticipated turnover of the South Concourse for retail activities.
Navigating the first full year of major construction activities while keeping one of the busiest stations operational without disruptions reflects Gilbane’s dedication to excellence in planning, safety, and execution. The Gilbane Building Company team has dedicated over 350,000 man-hours to this transformative project without a single recordable or lost-time incident, underscoring our commitment to safety and excellence.
Gilbane’s dedication to advancing economic inclusion on this project is evident, with approximately $23 million paid to minority firms and partners. To uphold these values, we executed three major outreach events throughout the year, attended by 115 diverse businesses and personnel.
Pioneering Vision for the University of South Carolina’s BullStreet Campus
Gilbane is leading the planning, design, development, and construction of the University of South Carolina’s Health Sciences Campus in the BullStreet District of downtown Columbia, SC. This groundbreaking public-private partnership aims to redefine medical education and advance health sciences research collaboration efficiently and cost-effectively.
The heart of this ambitious project is a world-class, 330,000 SF medical education and multidisciplinary research building. This facility will feature cutting-edge laboratories, advanced simulation centers, and dynamic collaborative spaces designed to inspire innovation and excellence.
Gilbane and the university are deeply committed to community engagement and inclusivity. Starting in April 2024, the team has been conducting ongoing outreach meetings. To date, our team has held 23 outreach events that have attracted over 470 attendees and more than 120 distinct Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE/WBE”). They ensure active participation from MBE/WBEs and the broader community, fostering a sense of shared ownership and pride in this pivotal endeavor.
With a January 2025 groundbreaking, construction of the Health Sciences Campus is getting underway, with the School of Medicine building anticipated to be operational in August 2027. This project promises to be a cornerstone of medical education and research, setting new standards for the future.
Visit schealthsciencescampus.com for more information.
Elevating the Student Experience at the University of Idaho
Gilbane Development Company and Rocky Mountain Companies are leading the new construction and renovation of housing at the University of Idaho’s South Hill. The $162 million project includes renovations to two undergraduate facilities and the new construction of 251 single-student beds and 150 married/parenting beds. This initiative will deliver modern, affordable housing and vibrant support spaces designed to elevate the student experience, foster academic success, and strengthen community connections.
With enrollment growing and the University’s reputation as a top institution stronger than ever, this project ensures students have the living and learning spaces they deserve. This strategic investment will support the University’s ability to continue recruiting and retaining top academic talent and staff by providing a variety of modern, affordable housing options. With an emphasis on creating dynamic live-learn communities, promoting student welfare, and contributing to a vibrant campus experience, the multi-project housing program will enable the University to enhance its competitive position in higher education.
University of Idaho President Scott Green noted the value of the partnership, “We continue to see enrollment growth as we prove again and again the U of I’s value. Our on-campus housing is an important piece of that value, and our students need and deserve modern living and learning facilities.”
Visit vandalhousingproject.com for more information.
Fulfilling a yearslong goal of adding more housing for Purdue University Fort Wayne students
Work is well underway at Trace, a new 600-bed student housing complex at Purdue University Fort Wayne (“PFW”) in Fort Wayne, IN. With an October 2024 groundbreaking and an August 2026 anticipated opening, this $90-$100 million development offers a creative design-build-finance-operate-maintain solution to Purdue, whereby just under half of the beds will be reserved for students contracting with the university for housing. The remaining beds will be available to other students, including those enrolled at other colleges and universities nearby. Gilbane is serving as the developer and construction manager, with AVB as the design-builder and Progressive AE as the architect. When completed, the complex will be operated by Gilbane’s affiliated management company, Inwood Management.
Trace will enhance the student living experience as PFW continues its transition from a commuter campus to one that offers a more traditional residential environment. Key amenities include a convenience store, fitness center, gaming room, quiet study space, lounges, hammock farm, sand volleyball court, basketball court, grilling areas, and fire pits.
On-campus Housing Plans Advance to Address Future Growth at Palm Beach Atlantic University
Gilbane and Palm Beach Atlantic University (“PBAU”) are making significant progress with PBAU’s new on-campus student housing plans, which took a crucial step forward when presented to the City of West Palm in August 2024. With an early 2025 groundbreaking planned, this exciting development is set to welcome students by Fall 2027.
The team unveiled the project’s current design, which aligns with PBAU’s master plan, emphasizing green space and connectivity to the surrounding community. This thoughtfully designed project will offer approximately 950 apartment-style beds and a 900-stall parking garage, blending comfort with functionality. Students will enjoy a range of amenities, including onsite dining, and a fitness facility, both all intended to foster a vibrant community atmosphere.
Gilbane is leading the project as developer and design-builder, alongside CUBE3, the lead designer. Together, we are committed to creating a space that supports the university’s growth and enhances the student experience.
LATEST P3 WINS & PRE-DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Walter Rand Transportation Center: An anchor in the City’s growing business district in Camden, New Jersey
The Walter Rand Transportation Center Redevelopment project will modernize and expand the Walter Rand Transportation Center, creating a state-of-the-art transit bus hub for the South Jersey region. With a focus on enhancing the commuter experience and community connectivity, potential development would include 200K SF of Camden County office space and residential workforce housing on an adjacent site.
Jefferson Street Garage Development: A cornerstone of downtown Philadelphia’s urban revitalization
The Jefferson Street Garage Development aims to transform the local community by providing essential parking infrastructure with a state-of-the-art 650-space garage. It will also seamlessly blend retail and community spaces on the ground level, creating a vibrant hub for everyone to experience.
This development is designed to meet the growing demand for parking along Chestnut Street while reducing the impact of commuter and visitor parking on the local neighborhoods.
A key focus of this project is enhancing community benefits. Gilbane is committed to achieving 35% participation from Minority, Women, Veteran, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in the Jefferson Street Garage Development. This initiative highlights Gilbane’s dedication to fostering inclusive and impactful community-centric P3.
Gilbane is the lead developer and design-builder with key partners, including Brickstone Companies, local development consultant; JKRP, architect; Walker Consultants, parking garage consultant; and Stantec, civil engineer.
University of Rhode Island: Exciting developments are coming to the state’s flagship research university
This transformative on-campus housing project will add more than 1,100 additional beds for undergraduate and graduate students, addressing the rising demand for on-campus living. The plan calls for the design and construction of several new residential buildings with apartment-style suites, all located within the residential complexes on the Kingston Campus.
Gilbane is excited to partner with the university to oversee all aspects of the project, from design and construction to financing, operations, and maintenance. With CannonDesign leading the architectural vision, construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2025, following a feasibility and pre-development phase. We anticipate welcoming students in the summer of 2027.
Stay connected for more updates as we embark on this housing initiative to enrich student life on campus!
PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS IN P3 DEVELOPMENT
Prince George’s County Public Schools Alternative Construction Financing Project – Phase I | Prince George’s County, MD
Design-Build Institute of America – National Award of Merit for Educational Facilities – This prestigious award celebrates Gilbane’s innovative and collaborative approach to delivering a bundle of six world-class educational facilities through P3 initiatives.
P3 Awards – Sponsor Developer of the Year Finalist (2024)
As a finalist for this renowned industry honor, Gilbane is recognized for its exceptional leadership and contributions to P3 projects, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in public-private development.
Atworth in College | Park, MD
NAIOP Award for Best New Multifamily Project in Prince George’s County – This recognition exemplifies our approach to excellence in delivering dynamic communities.
Engaging, Networking, and Leading at Key Industry Conferences
Conferences and summits are invaluable for networking, forging meaningful connections, and showcasing expertise in the dynamic P3 landscape. Throughout the year, our team has actively participated in industry events, including the P3 Conference and Expo, the P3 Higher Education Summit, P3.EDU, and the P3 Government Conference.
At these events, we engaged with industry leaders and led critical conversations as panelists and presenters. Our thought leaders—Russell Broderick, Clare Archer, Mike Crase, Geoff Eisenacher, Zach Tronti, and others—proudly drove discussions on transformative P3 solutions in higher education, transportation, government, and beyond.
We continue to be actively engaged with AIAI (Association for the Improvement of American Infrastructure) and YPI (Young Professionals in Infrastructure) through participation in committees and initiatives.
These engagements underscore our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and leadership in shaping impactful partnerships and communities.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As we reflect on 2024, Gilbane’s unwavering dedication to public-private partnerships has driven the delivery of over $4.4 billion in P3 projects nationwide. By leveraging collaborative models, Gilbane continues to deliver infrastructure and community assets that meet critical public needs.
Looking ahead, Gilbane remains committed to expanding our P3 portfolio with exciting new projects across the country. Our financial strength, stability, and innovative approach to flexible financing solutions will ensure we continue to meet the evolving demands of the market.
We are dedicated to ensuring that our P3 projects deliver long-term value and positive impact for our partners and residents. Our commitment to excellence and collaboration will drive the success of future partnerships and projects, benefiting communities nationwide.
