Construction is Moving Along on First New Residence Hall

That was the reaction of Saint Louis University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., last week while touring the upper floors of a new residence hall currently under construction.

Pestello saw first-hand the work taking place on the construction site at Spring and Laclede Avenues. On the outside of the building, crews are installing the brick and cast-stone façade. Inside, they're roughing out plumbing and electrical.

When it opens next August, the eight-story complex - temporarily known as Spring Hall - will house more than 450 freshmen and sophomores. Amenities include suite-style rooms, study spaces and lounges, a chapel and a high-tech outdoor classroom.

Earlier in the week, Pestello also got a glimpse of the plans for a 740-seat dining hall that will be part of a second new residence hall project - temporarily known as Grand Hall - now in the early stages of construction.

Located at Grand and Laclede, the seven-story structure will house nearly 530 freshmen and sophomores, who will also enjoy suite style-living with plenty of study and meeting spaces.

Plans for the complex's dining hall include restaurant-style seating, a fireplace, and multiple food stations.

Crews are currently excavating the site, and building construction is set begin in earnest in mid- to late-February, weather permitting. Grand Hall is scheduled to open in August 2017.

Combined, the projects reflect a $115 million commitment to new student housing at Saint Louis University.