Saint Louis University to Move Forward with Construction of Second New Residence Hall

On Saturday, the Saint Louis University Board of Trustees approved construction of a new $71 million residence hall on SLU's Midtown St. Louis campus. The new facility will be located near the northwest corner of Grand Boulevard and Laclede Avenue.

The announcement comes as construction of another new residence hall - approved by the Board in December 2014 - continues at Laclede and Spring avenues. Combined, the two projects represent a nearly $115 million investment in student housing at Saint Louis University.

"As a leading Jesuit research university, SLU offers a comprehensive living and learning environment that contributes significantly to student success, in and out of the classroom," said University Vice President for Student Development Kent Porterfield, Ed.D. "These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to providing students with an unparalleled residential experience."

The new residence hall approved by the Board on Saturday will be a seven-story, 237,000-square-foot facility built on what is now a surface parking lot near Grand and Laclede. The new building will be connected to the adjacent Griesedieck Complex, the University's largest residential facility.

Designed for first-and-second year students, the new facility will feature single and double suite-style rooms with a total of 528 beds. Plans also call for a 740-seat campus dining hall, as well as classrooms, study lounges and an outdoor plaza, among many other features.

Local firm, Hastings+Chivetta Architects, is designing the new facility. St. Louis-based Alberici has been selected as the general contractor for the project. Site preparation, which includes relocation of existing utilities, is set to begin this month, with completion scheduled for summer 2017. To accommodate the site work, the University's Georgetown parking lot will close beginning Oct. 1.

As a leading Jesuit research university, SLU offers a comprehensive living and learning environment that contributes significantly to student success, in and out of the classroom," said University Vice President for Student Development Kent Porterfield, Ed.D. "These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to providing students with an unparalleled residential experience.

The first new residence hall - a $43.8 million project - is scheduled to open in summer 2016. Hastings & Chivetta designed the eight-story, 153,000-square-foot facility, and St. Louis-based McCarthy Construction is serving the general contractor for the project.

The University plans to finance construction of both residence halls through a bond issue that will be repaid over a period of years - in part through additional housing revenues the projects are expected to generate.

The projects are part of a multi-phase housing plan developed following a detailed study conducted in 2013 that included a market analysis and extensive student input. Students, faculty and other stakeholders will continue to be involved in the planning process going forward.

Once the second new residence hall opens, the University would take the Griesedieck Complex - which includes Walsh and Clemens halls - offline for major renovations. The updated facility would re-open in 2019.

About Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of nearly 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.