Scholar Hotels Launches $5,000 Minimum Investment Platform Backed by Five State College/Happy Valley Properties, Expanding Investor Access to Private Real Estate

ALTOONA, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Scholar Hotels and its affiliate, Scholar Hospitality Holdings I LLC, today announced the upcoming launch of a real estate investment platform designed to expand access to private market opportunities—featuring a planned minimum investment of $5,000 and a structure intended to include investors beyond the traditionally limited accredited investor base.

The initiative comes amid a broader shift in private markets, where regulatory frameworks such as Regulation A have enabled greater participation from retail investors. Historically, direct investment in institutional-quality real estate has been largely restricted to accredited investors. By lowering the minimum investment threshold and broadening eligibility, Scholar aims to open participation to a significantly wider audience while maintaining regulatory compliance.

“This is about access to an asset class that has traditionally been out of reach,” said Gary Brandeis, CEO of Scholar Hotels and Managing Member of Scholar Hospitality Holdings I LLC. “We’re building a structure that allows individuals to invest in real estate tied to communities they know—at a level that is intentionally more inclusive—while also creating a more meaningful connection to those assets.”

The platform is designed to connect individuals with a passion for Happy Valley to ownership in a portion of Scholar Hotels’ State College portfolio, which includes five hospitality-driven assets. The portfolio consists of hotel, dining, and retail properties supported by recurring demand from alumni, students, and year-round visitation.

In addition to potential financial participation, investors will have access to the Scholar Owners Club, a program offering enhanced benefits and unique experiences when visiting State College, designed to deepen the connection between investors and the underlying assets.

State College, Pennsylvania, recently named the #1 small college town in America by USA Today readers (April 2026)—serves as the foundation for the initial portfolio. Scholar Hotels has assembled and operated properties in the market for nearly a decade, focusing on locations in close proximity to campus and key demand drivers.

The offering reflects a growing convergence between real estate, operating businesses, and investor engagement. By combining a hospitality platform with a real estate investment structure, Scholar is positioning the opportunity within a category that has seen increasing interest from investors seeking both income-generating assets and a more direct connection to their investments.

“We’re effectively inviting those who have a personal connection to Happy Valley to have a financial stake in its future,” added Brandeis. “Our goal is to build a community of investors who can participate in and benefit from the long-term performance of these properties—while also enjoying a unique ownership experience when they visit.”

As part of this early awareness phase, individuals can learn more and register to receive updates following SEC qualification at www.ScholarHH.com.

No investment commitments are being accepted at this time.

About Scholar Hotels & Scholar Hospitality Holdings I LLC

Scholar Hotels, founded in 2017, focuses exclusively on hotels located near university campuses and has developed a specialized strategy centered on long-term, high-demand college town markets. www.ScholarHotels.com

Scholar Hospitality Holdings I LLC is an affiliate of Scholar Hotels LLC. Through this initiative, the company is expanding access to hospitality real estate investing—offering individuals the opportunity to participate in professionally managed assets while benefiting from potential income and unique ownership experiences.

Legal Disclaimer

No money or other consideration is being solicited or will be accepted, and no securities are being offered or sold at this time. Offers to buy may not be accepted until an offering statement on Form 1-A is qualified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. An indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind.

This offering is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by The Pennsylvania State University (“Penn State”).