University Breaks Ground on Second New Residence Hall
Saint Louis University broke ground Monday on its newest residence hall, a $71 million facility that will be located at the northwest corner of Grand Boulevard and Laclede Avenue.
The ceremony took place in the Georgetown Parking Lot, just behind Griesedieck Hall. Approximately 200 people were in attendance, including University faculty, staff, students and trustees, as well as several local elected officials.
Student Government Association President Jay Bryant served as the event's emcee. Luella Loseille, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences and vice president for internal affairs for the SGA, led a prayer to officially begin the ceremony.
Joe Conran, chairman of the Saint Louis University Board of Trustees,told the crowd that the project -- along with the other new residence hall currently under construction -- will allow SLU to offer some of the "most modern and innovative" student housing anywhere.
"It's really wonderful to be here today for another exciting groundbreaking," said Joe Conran, chairman of the Saint Louis University Board of Trustees. "This project shows SLU's commitment to the students and to Midtown St. Louis."
Laura Herman, president of the Residence Hall Association and senior in Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, then described how her experiences in campus housing cultivated a stronger connection to her fellow students and the broader St. Louis community.
"For me, residence halls such as this new one are a symbol of belonging," she said. "They represent the very foundation of ‘men and women for and with others.' ...This new residence hall will be the place where that feeling, that connection, that sense of belonging will transform future Billikens."
It's really wonderful to be here today for another exciting groundbreaking," said Joe Conran, chairman of the Saint Louis University Board of Trustees. "This project shows SLU's commitment to the students and to Midtown St. Louis.
University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., noted that Monday's groundbreaking was more than the celebration of a new facility.
"It's really the building of this institution that we pause to reflect upon," Pestello said. "This is not simply a place to find a bed and go to sleep. This will be a place where students learn, students make friendships, where our culture will be built and strengthened, where people will support each other. This is yet one more building where 'SLU' will happen, and what happens at SLU is deeply special."
Toward the end of the program, Christopher Collins, S.J., special assistant to the president for Mission and Identity, offered a reflection and blessed the site.
"The work we are beginning today should enliven our faith and make us grateful," Collins said. "We know the familiar words of the Psalm - if the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its laborers build. Whenever we look to the interests of our neighbor, to the community to serve them, we are in a sense, God's own co-workers. So let us pray for this help through this celebration that God will bring this construction to successful completion, and that His protection will keep those who work on it safe from injury."
Finally, 16 participants concluded the ceremony by breaking ground with shovels. A reception featuring refreshments and drinks followed the program.
The new, seven-story hall is part of a nearly $115 million plan to enhance student housing, and it is scheduled to be completed in summer 2017. It will have 528 beds and will be connected to the adjacent Griesedieck Complex, the University's largest residential facility, which will go offline for renovations once construction of the new residence hall is complete. The new building's design calls for a 740-seat campus dining hall, as well as classrooms, study lounges and an outdoor plaza, among other features.
Another new residence hall, an eight-story, 454-bedroom facility that will be located at Laclede and Spring avenues, has been under construction since early 2015. It is scheduled to open in summer 2016.