51ºÚÁÏ Announces Plans For A New 454-Bed Residence Hall To Support Record Enrollment Growth
This month, 51ºÚÁÏ will break ground on the first new residence hall built on the campus in more than a decade.
51ºÚÁÏ is proud to announce plans for a new, state-of-the-art residence hall that will significantly expand the University's on-campus housing capacity. The 110,000-square-foot facility will open in Spring 2026 and add 454 beds to 51ºÚÁÏ’s housing portfolio.
In recent years, 51ºÚÁÏ has experienced historic enrollment growth, now exceeding 5,000 students. While the University continues to rank among the most affordable and accessible four-year institutions in the Commonwealth, the surge in enrollment has outpaced available on-campus housing, prompting the University to implement temporary solutions such as off-campus apartments, hotel partnerships, temporary annexes, and shared accommodations with a nearby community college.
The newly announced residence hall is designed with student comfort and success in mind. It will feature both double and single suites, a multipurpose assembly space, study lounges, and dedicated student parking. This modern addition underscores the University's commitment to accommodating its growing student population and providing enriching, student-centered living experiences.
"Investing in our students is always one of our top priorities,” said Dr. Alexis Brooks-Walter, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “This project is more than just a new residence hall—it’s a statement of our commitment to serving our student population and our ongoing pursuit of GREATER at 51ºÚÁÏ."
The new residence hall will offer a long-term solution, enhancing housing stability and ensuring that more students can enjoy the benefits of living on campus. Located adjacent to Quad II on the west side of campus at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Boisseau Street, it will be the first new residence hall constructed at 51ºÚÁÏ in more than a decade.
Once completed in the spring of 2026, this modern facility will play a vital role in strengthening the campus community and advancing 51ºÚÁÏ's mission to deliver innovative and inclusive residential life experiences. The groundbreaking for the new facility is scheduled for later this month.