A $53.25 million student housing project will break ground in in March 2013 at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). Hill & Wilkinson has been awarded the contract on the new student housing living/learning center, a construction management-at-risk project that was designed by HKS Architects Inc.
The student housing living/learning center is the fifth campus construction project awarded to Hill & Wilkinson by UTD. The 235,000-sq-ft complex will provide housing for 600 students and a central dining facility for all five residence halls on campus.
According to Steve Camp, executive vice president at Hill & Wilkinson, the scope of the project involves development of approximately 7.5 acre site on the northwest edge of campus.
Groundbreaking will occur in early to mid-March, Camp says.
“The project sprawls over most of the site, leaving little room for staging activities. Scheduling and coordination of all site activities will be critical,” Camp added. “The circular elements of the dining facility and residence areas along with the incorporation of the existing pond should create some spectacular views as well.”
The facility will also include a 25,000-sq-ft gymnasium and fitness area, multi-purpose classroom space, breakfast/snack bar, laundry facilities and lounge areas. UTD expects the center to open in 2014.
“The project is seeking LEED Silver certification and reflects the trend towards building student living/learning centers which include housing, dining, gymnasium, classroom and other multi-use spaces,” Camp says.
