Hellbent on proving that college life isn't what it used to be, Inland American Communities Group held a groundbreaking this week to officially launch their 19-story tower geared toward Georgia Tech students. New renderings show the width of the tower and its 10,000 square feet of retail fronting Spring Street, near the Cheetah strip club, and a pimped-out pool area with a massive outdoor television. Dubbed "University House Midtown," the project will offer 268 apartments (706 beds) and is slated to open in time for the 2015 school year, though pre-leasing begins this summer. No word yet on leasing rates, but it's safe to say these won't be as cheap as the ratty dorms many of us nearly destroyed in college. "We look forward to introducing a top quality environment for local students to live and learn," David Pierce, senior vice president of development for Inland, said in a release. Many units will include balconies with views of Midtown, downtown and the Tech campus.

The University House amenities sound pretty much on par with many of Atlanta's new apartment offerings, which means they could be stepping up the game for student living. Expect "a resort-style pool on an elevated terrace, a secured parking garage, business center, study rooms, and fitness centers and a lounge on the top floor with views of the skyline," a press release states. Officials previously said The Stinger campus shuttle will have a stop at the University House doorstep.

Literally a stone's throw away, site work appears to have begun on a second student-focused Spring Street tower by Gateway and South City Partners. Last we heard, plans call for a 25-story tower on the Centergy North property, with more than 200 student apartments, 14,000 square feet of office space and about 5,000 square feet of retail. With more than 500 student beds in that tower, these projects could mean that 1,300 more Tech students could soon be laying their beautiful minds on the opposite side of The Connector every night.

· The University House VIP list for ballers [website]

· Work Under Way At Second GT Student Housing Tower? [Curbed Atlanta]