The University of Utah’s $155 million complex will provide 1,400 beds for first- and second-year students
The University of Utah, the state’s flagship institution of higher education, has broken ground on a $155 million student housing development.
With on-campus housing specifically for first- and second-year students, the 1,400-bed complex will help the university reach its goal of expanding its student enrollment from 35,000 to 40,000, with many living on campus.
For the public-private partnership, the University of Utah has partnered with American Campus Communities, a developer, owner, and manager of student housing communities. ACC will manage and own a leasehold interest in the property under a 55-year lease agreement with two 10-year extensions.
Designed by Ayers Saint Gross and MHTN Architects, and constructed by Okland Construction, the complex comprises two six-story buildings designed to promote student wellness, social connection, and academic success.
At 350,000 sf total, the buildings include fitness spaces with indoor bouldering, gaming and social lounges, floor-specific kitchens, and a large outdoor courtyard designed for recreation and relaxation. On the first floor, the 17,000 sf of common areas will include dining and community spaces managed by the university. The facility also will offer indoor bike, ski, and board storage.
The project’s sustainability and efficiency features include all-electric systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, LED lighting, climate-responsive site design, and LEED Silver certification. Accessible via public transit, the buildings have been designed for future photovoltaic energy integration.
The 1,400 beds will consist of 106 community-bath single beds, 796 community-bath double beds, and 472 semi-suite double beds, among others.
The new residence hall is expected to open for occupancy in the fall of 2026.
On the project team: Ayers Saint Gross (design architect), MHTN Architects (architect of record), Colvin Engineering Associates (MEP engineer), Reaveley Engineers + Associates (structural engineer), and Okland Construction (general contractor).