Inland Acquires 673-Bed Community

Inland Real Estate Acquisitions has purchased Sawyer on Lincoln, a 277-unit, 673-bed student housing community in Columbia, S.C., serving the University of South Carolina.

The Dinerstein Cos. was the previous owner, according to Yardi Matrix information. The developer financed the community’s construction with a $50.9 million loan originated by Comerica Bank in 2021.

Earlier this year, the Inland affiliate also acquired Epoch Clemson, a student housing community serving South Carolina’s Clemson University. Harrison Street sold the 994-bed property that came online in 2019.

Sawyer on Lincoln, up close

Completed last year, the five-story building has a 100 percent occupancy for the current academic year and recently began leasing for the 2025 school year. University Partners will manage the property.

The unit mix consists of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with bed-to-bath parity, ranging between 639 and 1,334 square feet. Additionally, 14 units are designated as affordable, the same data provider shows. All residences are furnished and have private balconies or patios.

Common-area amenities include private and group study rooms, a social lounge with kitchen and TVs, a fitness center and an outdoor courtyard with lounge seating and games. Additionally, the community has a swimming pool with chaise lounge seating and a hot tub.

Situated on 4 acres at 919 Catawba St., Sawyer on Lincoln is within walking distance of the University of South Carolina at Columbia campus and the Eugene E. Stone III Stadium. Downtown Columbia is 1 mile away, while the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is some 7 miles southwest.

Inland Acquisitions Senior Vice President Mark Cosenza, along with The Inland Real Estate Group Vice President Brett Smith, completed the transaction.