Public-private partnerships for student housing was a new concept just 10 years ago. Now, it has become a popular and almost necessary alternative for institutions, especially those that have significant enrollments.

Plans to build a gated apartment community in Southern Pines were approved Tuesday by the town council.

A North Carolina real estate firm is targeting about 20 acres across from Rocketts Landing for its biggest-ever development in Virginia – and claims it has “only one shot” to make the project happen.

Southern Pines residents on Tuesday can weigh in on an annexation request, a proposed apartment complex and the town’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Zimmer Development Co., a Wilmington-based company, is seeking approval to rezone a property off Capital Boulevard that would allow for a new mixed-use project to go up as high as 40 stories.

Zimmer Development Company (ZDC) is looking for long-term value in its properties.

An entity tied to Zimmer Development Co. is under contract to purchase a collection of three properties totaling about 20 acres along Old Osborne Turnpike (Route 5), Orleans Street and Nicholson Street.

The potential buyer of property adjacent to Capital Boulevard and Peace Street wants the ability to build up to 40 stories there.