Hawkins Way Capital Secures $80 Million Upper West Side Dormitory
A joint venture between Hawkins Way Capital and Varde Partners has acquired the 382-unit student housing property at 117 W 70th St in Manhattan for $80 million. The deal secures the future of the site as a dormitory for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, which remains under a long-term lease.

The acquisition expands the venture’s FOUND Study platform, which now controls more than 6,000 beds across New York City’s supply-constrained neighborhoods. By executing a long-term master lease with the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, the buyers ensure the property continues serving its original purpose while providing the academy with operational stability. This strategy aligns with Hawkins Way Capital’s focus on high-barrier urban markets where demand for student housing consistently outpaces available supply.
Ross Walker, Managing Partner at Hawkins Way Capital, noted that the firm has long targeted this specific neighborhood for its prestige and academic density. The transaction underscores a growing trend of private equity firms partnering directly with educational institutions to manage residential assets. With $3 billion in assets under management, the firm intends to maintain this focus on niche, value-add investments that offer long-term stability within the competitive Manhattan real estate landscape.
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