Dartmouth College invests $500 million in new and renewed housing, aiming to add 1,000 beds over the next decade
Dartmouth College is pursuing a multiyear effort to expand its housing for students, faculty, and staff. A $500 million investment in new and renewed housing will fulfill the university’s goal of adding 1,000 new beds over the next decade.
The investment will turn West Wheelock Street in Hanover, N.H., into a new residential corridor with green space and pedestrian and bike paths. The corridor will serve as a gateway to the campus and town.
Designed by Cube3, Russo Hall, which broke ground in August, is the first of several planned apartment-style residence halls on West Wheelock. When it opens in fall 2026, Russo Hall will provide 285 beds for juniors and seniors. The Russo units will have single bedrooms, single-user bathrooms, common spaces, and kitchens. The facility also will offer large social and study spaces.
Russo Hall is named after Gina T. and Thomas A. Russo, Dartmouth alums who donated $30 million, the largest gift for undergrad housing in the school’s history.
In addition to new construction, Dartmouth is renewing about 60% of its existing undergraduate residences over the next 15 years to add beds, study rooms, gathering spaces, and modern amenities.
Three residence halls—Andres Hall, Brace Commons, and Zimmerman Hall—have reopened following upgrades. Andres and Zimmerman now feature suites of singles and doubles with gender-neutral, single-user bathrooms, in addition to added elevators, air conditioning, study rooms, and lounges. Brace now features improved accessibility, lighting, and landscaping, plus studying and gathering spaces.
Another modernization project will put Fayerweather Hall, a 120-year-old hall comprising three buildings, under one roof, while adding 35 beds, elevators, and a new social center. Mass Row is the next residence slated for renewal.
At least 10% of Dartmouth’s residence-hall space will be devoted to amenities such as telehealth rooms, game and gathering spaces, and social lounges. Amenities supporting physical activities include bike repair shops, ski lockers, gyms, outdoor social areas, and enhanced walking and bike paths. The buildings also will provide cafes, quiet reading areas, and yoga rooms.
The housing investment supports Dartmouth’s goal to reduce on-campus carbon emissions by 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
On the Russo Hall building team:
