
When it comes to student housing, SSOE knows how to make a community thrive. Inspired by the efficiency and intelligence of a beehive, where every cell serves a purpose and nothing is wasted, The Hive delivers a highly livable, wellness-focused, off-campus housing experience just steps from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Situated on a compact 0.84-acre urban site, the eight-story mixed-use development maximizes density without sacrificing daylight, comfort, or community. The approximately 140,000 SF building (excluding parking) comprises 100 furnished residential units totaling 307 beds, two levels of parking, and 5,000 SF of ground-floor retail that activates the street edge. More than 7,000 SF of residential amenity space, including a pool deck and an expansive rooftop terrace, offers students places to gather, recharge, and connect while enjoying 360-degree views of the Atlanta skyline.
SSOE provided architectural services for the project, leading planning and exterior core and shell design from early feasibility through completed design. Structural engineering was provided by Wallace Design Collective, with MEP engineering by Jordan & Skala Engineers. The firm was initially engaged to complete a feasibility and density study to support the property’s sale. The quality and clarity of that early work led the purchasing developer to retain SSOE for full planning and architectural services, underscoring the firm’s strategic, data-driven design approach.
One of the project’s primary challenges was delivering a high-density student housing program within strict zoning and height limitations. Rather than pursuing rezoning, the team worked within previously approved site parameters, requiring a disciplined and creative response. A C-shaped building configuration was employed to maximize daylight penetration and ensure windows in every bedroom and living space, an intentional departure from traditional shotgun-style student housing layouts. This approach enhanced student wellness while achieving unit efficiency on a constrained urban parcel.
Standardized four-bedroom, four-bath unit plans balance compact private spaces with generous shared living areas, supporting modern student lifestyles shaped by post-COVID-19 expectations for independence, flexibility, and comfort. Completed in July 2025, The Hive was fully leased before the Fall semester began, signaling strong market demand and student approval. The project reinforces SSOE’s growing leadership in mixed use and off campus student housing, demonstrating the firm’s ability to navigate complex community-centered environments that help students thrive.





































































































































































































