Tailwind Group Inc

Tailwind Group Inc. is a real estate development and management firm specializing in purpose-built student housing and commercial properties. Established in 2005 by partners Kyle Smith, Reggie Reed, Michael Sather, and Landon Smith, the company has grown from its initial focus in Mankato, Minnesota, to a nationwide presence.

The company's flagship development, College Town Mankato, was completed in 2010. This $20 million project provided 456 bedrooms for Minnesota State University students, featuring cottage-style homes with private bedrooms and bathrooms, high-end finishes, and amenities such as an outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, workout facility, free tanning, and common area study spaces.

Expansion and Growth

Between 2016 and 2019, Tailwind Group expanded its student housing portfolio to major markets, including Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Bloomington, Indiana; Columbus, Ohio; West Lafayette, Indiana; and Ames, Iowa. This expansion increased their managed bedroom count to nearly 8,000 and grew their team from 30 to over 100 employees.

In 2021, the company acquired a student housing portfolio of six properties with nearly 4,200 bedrooms, further solidifying its presence in tier-one college markets. These acquisitions included assets in Columbia, Missouri; Oxford, Mississippi; Stillwater, Oklahoma; Tallahassee, Florida; and Miami, Florida. By the end of 2021, Tailwind Group was recognized as a Top 25 Owner and Manager of student housing by Student Housing Business Magazine.

Recent Developments

From 2022 to the present, Tailwind Group has continued its growth through strategic acquisitions and developments. Notable projects include The Quarters at Lincoln in Nebraska, The Landing College Station in Texas, The Landing Fayetteville in Arkansas, and Altitude Baton Rouge in Louisiana.

The company has also expanded into commercial real estate, redeveloping College Street in Iowa City, Iowa, and acquiring Mankato Heights Plaza, a shopping center with anchor tenants such as TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Ulta Beauty, GNC, Dollar Tree, and Victoria’s Secret.

Business Strategy

Tailwind Group's commitment to identifying underserved markets with strong college or university populations has been a key factor in its success. By focusing on these areas, the company provides high-quality, amenity-rich housing solutions that cater to the needs of students and the surrounding communities.

Headquarters and Locations

Headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota, Tailwind Group operates nationwide with properties across multiple states.

• Baton Rouge, LA, USA
• Lincoln, NE, USA
• Nebraska
• Texas
• Arkansas
• Louisiana
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• Florida
• Ohio

The diverse portfolio reflects a strategic approach to real estate development and management, emphasizing quality, community engagement, and sustainable growth.