CMB Regional Centers Launches $40M EB-5 Student Housing Project in Eugene
Event summary
- CMB Regional Centers has launched CMB Group 96 – The Ellis, a $128.2M mixed-use student housing project in Eugene, Oregon, with a $40M EB-5 loan component.
- The 14-story development includes 306 units (685 beds) and 17,000 sq. ft. of retail space, with a 15-year lease secured for 10,000 sq. ft. to a fast-casual restaurant chain.
- Located in a High-Unemployment TEA, the project qualifies for reduced EB-5 investment thresholds and set-aside visas.
- CMB claims 100% project approval rate across 93 USCIS-adjudicated partnerships and over $1.5B in investor repayments to date.
The big picture
This project reflects the ongoing shift toward mixed-use student housing developments in secondary markets, leveraging EB-5 capital to fill funding gaps. CMB's track record suggests strong operational capabilities, but success will depend on maintaining favorable immigration policies and demonstrating demand for high-end student housing in Eugene. The $40M EB-5 loan represents a fraction of CMB's $1.5B+ repayment history, indicating continued investor confidence in the platform.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Compliance
- Whether USCIS maintains favorable TEA designations and set-aside visa policies that underpin this project's economic model.
- Market Demand
- The pace at which student housing demand recovers post-pandemic and whether Eugene's market can support premium amenities.
- Execution Risk
- How CMB manages construction timelines and lease-up rates to ensure timely EB-5 investor returns.
