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our UConn Real‑Estate majors captured the top honor at Boston College’s 8th‑annual Corcoran Center “Future of Housing” Case Competition, outshining 68 other teams and earning a $5,000 prize. The winning squad—Aidan Jubb ’26, Peter “Sam” Cimini ’26, Krishna Benzy ’27 and Grayson Glasgow ’26—presented under the moniker Whiteoak Development.
Their proposal outlined a 42‑unit residential complex in Columbus, Ohio, featuring a commercial kitchen, a computer lab, and integrated workforce‑development and culinary‑nutrition programs. The design also included a sophisticated, multi‑tiered financing structure that would allow a portion of the units to rent well below market rates. Judges praised the depth of research and the readiness of the plan for real‑world implementation.
“We approached the competition as if we were drafting an investment committee memo,” said Jubb, who plans to pursue real‑estate law. “Our pro‑forma balanced solid returns with meaningful social impact, proving the project was both mission‑aligned and financially viable.” Benzy echoed this sentiment, noting the experience highlighted how strategic financing, thoughtful design, and mission‑driven planning can transform neighborhoods. “It reinforced my drive to work in real‑estate finance, delivering projects that are profitable and profoundly impactful,” she added.
Glasgow reflected on the broader learning opportunity: “The competition expanded my understanding of affordable‑housing development. The skills honed here, coupled with those from the Hillside Real‑Estate Investment Fund, will be invaluable as I pursue a career in commercial real estate.” Cimini, focused on development, said the case deepened his grasp of affordable‑housing complexities and cemented his commitment to the field.
The challenge required participants to navigate Ohio’s regulatory landscape, researching tax‑exempt bonds, low‑income housing tax credits, rent‑voucher programs, and other financing mechanisms. The UConn team’s plan offered a comprehensive funding mix that would enable residents with limited incomes to secure affordable housing.
Professor David Wharmby, Director of the Center for Real‑Estate and Urban Economic Development, lauded the students’ performance. “Beyond classroom excellence, these students leveraged every opportunity the program offers—from speaker series to workshops that prepare teams for case competitions,” he said. “Their involvement in the Hillside Real‑Estate Investment Fund—where they make real investment decisions—sharpened their analytical and presentation skills.”
The competition concluded in November, with 270 students across 68 teams. The UConn team’s victory not only earned them a $5,000 cash prize but also underscored the powerful role real estate can play in shaping lives and communities.
