Who Owns Accolade?

Accolade was launched by Greystar in 2015 as the company's dedicated student housing brand. The brand was developed to serve students seeking quality housing options near university campuses across the United States. Greystar recognized the growing demand for professionally managed student housing that combines academic support with community living experiences. This strategic initiative demonstrated Greystar's ability to identify emerging market opportunities and develop specialized brands to serve specific demographic segments within the broader real estate market.

Accolade communities are designed to provide students with more than just a place to live. The brand emphasizes thoughtful design, inclusive environments, and community programming that supports academic success and personal development. This holistic approach to student housing reflects Greystar's understanding of the unique needs of college students and the importance of creating supportive living environments. The brand's focus on creating communities that enhance the college experience demonstrates Greystar's commitment to resident satisfaction and long-term value creation.

Accolade communities feature student-focused amenities including study spaces, fitness facilities, community lounges, and programming designed to support academic and social engagement. The brand focuses on creating welcoming communities where students can focus on their studies while enjoying a vibrant residential experience that enhances their college years. This comprehensive approach to student living combines academic support with social opportunities, creating environments that foster both personal growth and academic achievement.

Throughout its development, Accolade has positioned itself as a quality student housing brand within Greystar's student and urban living portfolio. The brand continues to expand its presence near major college campuses across the United States, leveraging Greystar's expertise in property management and development. This expansion strategy demonstrates Accolade's ability to scale effectively while maintaining quality standards and brand consistency across diverse markets.

In June 2018, Greystar completed its acquisition of EdR, a manager of college housing communities, for $4.6 billion, significantly expanding its student housing portfolio and strengthening the Accolade brand's market position. This strategic acquisition demonstrated Greystar's commitment to becoming a leader in the student housing market and provided Accolade with enhanced resources and expanded market reach. The EdR acquisition positioned Accolade as one of the largest and most comprehensive student housing brands in the United States, with the scale and resources needed to serve students across multiple markets.