FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana University Board of Trustees has approved the design of a new residence hall at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
The 172,000-square-foot building will be on North Street in close proximity to University Tower — IUPUI’s newest residence hall with a state-of-the-art dining hall — and will offer 700 beds for students and spaces to support student life activities, fitness programs, a computer lab, game rooms and laundry. The building will also feature a state-of-the-art multipurpose media room and two classrooms that will each accommodate 40 students.
The new residence hall will reflect the sleek, modern style of the IUPUI campus by use of brick, glass and precast accents and offer two residential wings varying in height — one four stories and the other six stories. This design will allow more natural light into the semi-enclosed courtyard as well as the large windows of each sleeping room.
A centralized tower will connect the wings and house community spaces on the first floor. The tower will be expressed architecturally with extensive glass and roof elements for a dramatic sense of entry and offer a preview of the activities inside.
IUPUI requires additional on-campus housing to meet the growing need of its student population. Currently, more than 2,000 students reside on campus. Even with the addition of University Tower, which officially welcomed students in fall 2013, IUPUI’s current housing is at capacity. More than 800 students were on a wait list to live on campus at the start of the 2014-15 academic year.
This growth is consistent with IUPUI’s master plan, which was approved by the board in 2011 and recommends the provision of more on-campus housing to attract, retain and engage students.
“This new residence hall is just another indication that IUPUI continues to respond to the changing demographics of our student population,” IUPUI Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Zebulun Davenport said. “While this hall will address the needs of our beginning students, it will also serve continuing students and those who return to complete their degrees.
“As we focus heavily on undergraduate student success, the environment in this hall will facilitate student success both in and out of the classroom. I have no doubt this new ‘formative’ learning space will prove to be a positive addition to our campus.”
The total cost of the project is estimated to be $45.2 million and will be funded through revenue bonds repaid by IUPUI Housing Operating Funds ($41.7 million) and Campus Funds designated for this project ($3.5 million). The estimated completion date is summer 2016.