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Author: Baylee Snead

Subtext Breaks Ground on “VERVE Knoxville” Student Housing Development Near University of Tennessee

The 136-unit, 498-bed high-rise brings thoughtful design and elevated amenities to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Knoxville, TN, June 18, 2024 – Subtext, a national student and multifamily real estate company, and Brinkmann Constructors, a national general contractor, hosted an official groundbreaking ceremony on June 17, 2024 for VERVE Knoxville, a 14-story student housing community adjacent to the University of
Tennessee campus in Knoxville, TN. VERVE Knoxville is Subtext’s second project in Knoxville, following the delivery of TENN in 2018, and is expected to be completed in summer 2026.

Located at 1919 Lake Avenue, just one block away from the retail and dining district along Cumberland Avenue, VERVE Knoxville will offer 136 units with a mix of one- two-, three-, and four-bedroom layouts, offering a total of 498 beds. Each of the fully furnished apartments includes private bedroom(s) and bathroom(s), high-speed internet, washer and dryer, controlled access, and designer finishes.

Elevated Building & Amenities Design

Featuring modern architecture by Dynamik Design, the 329,294-square-foot community consists of nine residential floors over a 5.5-level parking podium with 318 residential parking spaces. VERVE Knoxville boasts over 12,500 square feet of shared amenities, including a wellness suite with a sauna and meditation rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, study pods and open study lounges, a pool terrace overlooking Mount Castle Park, and a rooftop sky deck and sky lounge, which is unique to the market.

“We’re hyper-focused on Power 4 Conference and R1 universities with strong market fundamentals and enrollment growth outpacing other top markets,” said Brandt Stiles, Founding Partner, Subtext. “These data points, combined with our experience in Knoxville, made this an ideal location for us. We’re excited to bring the VERVE brand to UT. VERVE is not just an exceptional building; it’s really a lifestyle designed for the unique needs and well-being of our residents.”

Brinkmann and Subtext have a long history of project collaboration that includes LOCAL Nashville, a 15-story multifamily community, which delivers in Fall 2024. VERVE Knoxville closed in May 2024 with construction financing from FNBO.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Subtext to bring another student housing property that supports students’ physical and emotional well-being to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville community,” said Brian D. Satterthwaite, CEO of Brinkmann Constructors. “We value our partnership with Subtext — together we have been able to create some really special communities in desirable locations while simultaneously providing real solutions for student housing demand.”


About Subtext
Subtext is a nationwide real estate company focused on elevating the resident experience. We always have and always will start from the foundation: our residents. Because they’re our subtext. They’re the meaning and motivation behind everything we do. Every decision, design choice, and experience is built from the resident up. For more information about Subtext, or to inquire about opportunities, visit subtextliving.com.

About Brinkmann Constructors
Brinkmann Constructors is a national general contractor offering design/build, design/assist and construction management services to a wide variety of commercial industries, including student housing, senior living, industrial and retail. Brinkmann is a creative leader in the industry, advocating for clients and inspiring confidence in partners and stakeholders. Visit www.brinkmannconstructors.com or call 636-537-9700 for more information.