The venture, complete with a clubhouse, covered basketball and volleyball courts and a 24-hour business center, is the first of its kind under the county's stringent new student housing zoning ordinance. The project will have 16 three-story buildings.

JPI wouldn't disclose the development cost of the project. But area construction industry estimators familiar with less-luxurious student housing, tell GlobeSt.com on condition of anonymity Jefferson Lofts units are probably being built for at least $90,000 per unit or a total $23 million.

The clubhouse, resort-styled swimming pool and surrounding amenities will bring the total cost near the $50 million mark, industry estimators tell GlobeSt.com. Leasing is scheduled to begin in November with occupancy expected by March 2003.