Jim Chapman Construction Group (JCCG), a leader in the build-to-rent (BTR) sector, is expanding its footprint in college towns with a new development in Opelika, Alabama. The upcoming project, Creekside Cottages, will be located near Auburn University and represents the next phase in the company's growth strategy for its RanchCottagesForRent brand.

Following the firm’s recent BTR successes in Athens, Georgia and Tallahassee, Florida—both vibrant university towns—Creekside Cottages aims to offer renters a lifestyle that blends suburban comfort with the energy of a collegiate environment.

“Creekside Cottages is designed to appeal to those who appreciate the vibrant atmosphere of college towns, offering a unique blend of energy, sports and great dining,” said Jim Chapman, president of JCCG. “Our target audience is the hardworking professionals who thrive in these communities and enjoy all the amenities they offer.”

Set at the intersection of Society Hill Road and Gateway Drive in Opelika, the project will span nearly 40 acres. Phase I will deliver 225 attached townhomes under the RanchCottagesForRent brand, with a total of 303 units planned at full build-out. The new community underscores JCCG’s ability to align high-quality construction with desirable, well-located rental housing.

Each townhome will feature thoughtful design and modern finishes, including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and luxury vinyl plank flooring. With floorplans ranging from 1,000 to 1,439 square feet, homes will offer two to three bedrooms, one- to two-car attached garages, and main-level primary suites. All units come equipped with an in-unit washer and dryer.

Creekside Cottages marks the fourth project by JCCG in partnership with a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT). Land development is scheduled to begin in March 2025, with vertical construction to follow in spring 2026. Leasing is expected to launch in late spring or early summer of that year.

The new development reinforces JCCG’s broader strategy to deliver high-quality, for-rent cottage and townhome communities across the Southeastern United States. The company, licensed as a general contractor in seven states, offers full-service solutions for institutional investors and developers, including pre-construction support, design-build services, and construction management.

By targeting popular college towns and combining thoughtful design with solid construction, JCCG continues to carve out a niche in the competitive BTR space—delivering what it calls “rental homes that feel like home” to a growing audience of renters who want more than just an apartment.

Originally reported by Yield Pro.