Stanhope Student Apartments posed many challenges for outdoor cleaning in the summer of 2025. The off-campus housing community is across from NC State University on Hillsborough St. This major two-lane road overflows with student activity, retail shops and restaurants — all hurdles that Southern Outdoor planned for and overcame smoothly.

SOR was brought on to the project by a general contractor. The two teams aligned with Stanhope’s on-site management on the logistics of the project, ensuring a seamless execution.

Stephen Draughn, SOR’s Senior Training & Project Manager and Safety Manager for Raleigh, handled all the paperwork and forms. He worked with a traffic control company on a two-day lane closure to allow for boom lifts, equipment and trucks. Stephen’s priority was minimal disruption, communicating clearly with local businesses and affected retail spaces. The project received no complaints.

Lead Technician Kevin McAbee and Guy Howes, Training and Project Manager – RAL, performed exterior cleanings of the building, parking deck and courtyard, while Associate Technician Matt Reale contributed to efficiencies. Extra care was taken to soft wash painted surfaces on top of the building to remove organic growth, dirt and debris.

The enclosed courtyard, in particular, required finesse as it can only be entered and exited via the lobby of the building. SOR purchased brand new hoses ahead of time to make certain no cracks or leaks would damage the Stanhope interior.

“This project could’ve been difficult, but it was basically perfect from day one,” explains Rob Turner, SOR Account Manager – RAL. “Through expert planning and cooperation with all parties, we were actually able to complete three days ahead of time a cleaning that was originally planned for a month.”