Expanding on-campus housing was a key priority in Lynn University's 2025 strategic plan—not just to keep up with growth, but to make sure students have a convenient place to live right where the action is. The university has added 629 new beds to campus since 2018. The strategy allows students to stay more connected, engaged and involved to make the most of their college experience.
Lynn recently opened Banyan Residence Hall, the newest addition to its close-knit campus community and a major step forward in its Lynn 2025 strategic plan. This marks the university's second public-private partnership (P3), following the successful debut of Capstone Apartments in 2022.
Banyan Residence Hall helps meet the immediate need for on-campus housing for Lynn's student population. It's designed specifically for sophomore students, who are required to live on campus during this important stage of their college experience.
The new 101,232-square-foot building includes 287 beds, with two- and four-bedroom suites that feature kitchenettes. It also includes housing for four resident assistants (RA), one senior RA, and one staff area coordinator who lives on-site to support students.
But Banyan Residence Hall is more than just a place to live—it's a place to learn, connect and grow. The residence hall includes a classroom inside the building, a community center, multiple lounges, a study room and meeting spaces. There are even package lockers and a community mailbox area for added convenience.
Outside, the building features improved walkways and a beautifully designed courtyard with outdoor furniture, grilling and dining areas, a firepit, and plenty of lounge space—perfect for gathering, relaxing or catching up with friends between classes.
Lynn's Banyan Residence Hall was developed by The Michaels Organization, with Provident Resources Group serving as the P3 owner and ground lessee. Key partners included project architect Ayers Saint Gross; project manager Brailsford & Dunlavey; general contractor Kaufman Lynn; and Michaels Student Living, which now manages the facility.
The P3 model allows universities to collaborate with private-sector partners to develop, finance and operate campus facilities. This approach helps reduce costs and speeds up construction timelines.
Before opening Banyan Residence Hall, Lynn addressed student housing needs with the launch of Capstone Apartments in fall 2022. Capstone—executed through a public-private partnership with Capstone Development Partners and Provident Resources Group—provides modern housing for 342 upperclassmen and graduate students.
Capstone Apartments features studio, two-bedroom and four-bedroom units, each with full kitchens and access to shared amenities that enhance student life. These include a classroom, a community kitchen, an entertainment lounge, flexible workspaces, a multipurpose room, study lounges, and laundry facilities on every floor—all designed to create a supportive, convenient living environment.
Living on campus is a great way to network, since everyone who lives there is in the same boat as you—finding jobs, starting internships and finding their next career path.Emilia Olivieri '26
The project earned Best Public/Civic Project in the 2023 South Florida Business Journal Structures Awards. Guided by LEED Silver standards from the U.S. Green Building Council, the residence hall features sustainable elements such as solar sunshades, high-SRI roofing, low-flow fixtures, LED lighting and locally sourced materials. The interior courtyard was designed with native plants and water-efficient landscaping.
"Living at Capstone is a perfect opportunity to become more independent and learn how to live in an apartment with the comfort of being on campus, where you know you are safe and protected. The atmosphere allows you to easily participate in campus activities while giving you a more grown-up lifestyle and adult responsibilities," said Emilia Olivieri '26. "Living on campus is a great way to network, since everyone who lives there is in the same boat as you—finding jobs, starting internships and finding their next career path."
Michaels is providing professional property management services to both Banyan Residence Hall and Capstone, as well as Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall.
