The University Financing Foundation (TUFF) has expanded its longstanding relationship with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) in northern Chicago through the acquisition of the Woodlands on Green Bay, a 342 bed residential community that has served RFU students for over a decade.
Previously owned by a third-party entity, the Woodlands has now been acquired by TUFF and is being master leased to RFU under a 10-year agreement. This strategic investment delivers immediate and meaningful value to the university, strengthening its long-term ability to support students and manage housing costs effectively.
Located adjacent to campus yet fully integrated into the RFU student experience, the Woodlands includes seven residential buildings and a robust amenity package featuring a clubhouse, pool, and tennis court. With a five-year average occupancy rate of 96%, including during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the community has proven to be a resilient and vital part of the student living ecosystem.
“This acquisition not only ensures the long-term availability of high-quality housing for RFU students, but also reinforces our shared commitment to supporting the full student experience,” said Kevin Byrne, President and CEO of TUFF. “It’s a natural extension of the work we began together with the RFU Innovation and Research Park”.
That work began in 2017, when TUFF partnered with RFU to develop the 100,000-square-foot Innovation and Research Park – now home to leading-edge biomedical research and commercialization efforts that are accelerating discoveries in neuroscience, oncology, and personalized medicine.
As TUFF continues to invest in communities that advance higher education and research, this latest collaboration underscores TUFF’s holistic approach: supporting innovation not just in the lab, but across the full campus ecosystem.
TUFF is a mission-driven developer that works with universities and research institutions to develop and acquire state-of-the art buildings and vibrant communities where innovation and industry can thrive. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, TUFF has over four decades of experience helping its clients achieve the best possible outcomes for their real estate and programming challenges and needs. With this acquisition, TUFF has invested $3 billion and completed 79 projects serving over 100 institutions across the country.