Construction Begins on New Residence Hall Along Haley Concourse
Auburn University has embarked on a significant project to enhance on-campus living with the construction of a new residence hall located along the Haley Concourse. This initiative, part of the University Student Housing project, aims to provide modern and convenient housing for students.
According to the project profile, the new residence hall will be a four-story, 125,000-square-foot facility designed to house 371 students. This building is slated to be completed by the fall 2026 semester, marking a significant addition to the university's housing infrastructure.
Strategic Location and Design
The new residence hall will be situated at the west end of the Quad Residence Hall complex, a location preferred by University Architect and Assistant Vice President of Planning, Design and Construction, Simon Yendle, and the Auburn University Board of Trustees. Yendle emphasized that this location is optimal due to its proximity to the heart of campus, which aligns with the university's goal of enhancing student success.
The design of the new dorms will feature freshman doubles, similar to those in the Quad, but with a modern twist. Each dorm will include two separate bedrooms and a shared bathroom with improved amenities such as a single shower and an enhanced sink. The building will also incorporate advanced climate control with a four-pipe system, allowing for more precise temperature adjustments.
Amenities and Facilities
The new residence hall will be equipped with a range of amenities to enhance the student living experience. These include laundry rooms on every floor, group study spaces, and kitchenettes with ovens and microwaves. Multipurpose rooms and student common spaces will be available at the ground level, and two new outdoor courtyards will connect the campus from the Haley Center through the upper quad to the Mell Classroom Building.
Additional features will include an amphitheater space, a combined trash compactor collection, recycling, and bicycle storage area, and an ICC Storm Shelter designed to accommodate not only the occupants of the building but also those from the Upper Quad.
Budget and Timeline
The construction of the new residence hall has been approved with a budget of $80 million, although some sources indicate the approved budget is $72 million. The project is expected to span from Spring 2024 to Spring 2026, with the facility set to be ready for student occupancy by the fall 2026 semester.
Broader Housing Initiatives
This new residence hall is part of Auburn University's broader efforts to improve on-campus housing. The university currently offers housing in seven residential communities consisting of 24 residence halls, accommodating approximately 4,900 residents. These communities provide various amenities, including laundry facilities, mailrooms, and common areas, all within walking distance to classes and other campus facilities.
University Housing also includes special interest communities, such as Honors College halls and Residential Learning Communities, which cater to students with similar interests or academic focuses.
Future Plans and Improvements
Auburn University is continuously evaluating and improving its housing options. The Campus Master Plan outlines the university's long-term goals for construction and development, which include exploring several sites for potential new residence halls. These plans aim to introduce new layouts and enhance cleanliness, ultimately improving the student experience.
In addition to the new residence hall, the university is undertaking other projects, such as the renovation of the Caroline Draughon Village laundry facility into a new Recreation and Wellness fieldhouse, and the ongoing repair and renovation of the Village Residence Halls.
These initiatives reflect Auburn University's commitment to providing a supportive, inclusive, and modern living environment for its students, aligning with its mission to enhance student success and overall campus experience.
