Add as a preferred source on Google

UT-Austin Breaks Ground on Grad Student Housing

  • By Matt Jones
  • 04/20/22

The University of Texas at Austin recently began construction on a graduate student housing development in the Blackland neighborhood in East Austin, according to a news release. The development will have the capacity for 784 beds across studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The project was originally conceived in the 2015 East Campus Master Plan, and construction is scheduled for completion by fall 2024.

The new housing complex will feature amenities like public courtyards, a fitness center, an outdoor classroom, an amphitheater, public and private study spaces, and a large multipurpose space for community and student events.

“UT Austin is committed to attracting and developing talented, high-impact graduate students, and to do so, we are working to provide more affordable housing options that also promote a sense of community,” said University President Jay Hartzell. “I am grateful for our ongoing conversations with the Blackland Neighborhood Association, and I am excited to collaborate as we go forward so our graduate students are both contributing to and benefiting from the vibrancy of the neighborhood.”

The university is partnering with American Campus Communities during the construction phase and will also get input from advisory firm Brailsford & Dunleavy, according to a news release. The finished housing community will be managed and operated by University Housing and Dining.

Construction begins on the heels of another university announcement regarding the purchase of Dobie Twenty21, a 27-story residential complex located just off campus. The two projects combined will provide students with an additional 1,700 beds in university-managed, affordable student housing, the press release states.

"Getting back to near-normal operations this semester has rekindled our passion for the residential experience and campus community, which are central to the UT experience," Hartzell told local news in October 2021. "And we know that having students closer to campus helps them build community and thrive academically."

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • sapling sprouting from a cracked stone

    Lessons in Resilience: Disaster Recovery in Our Schools

    Facility managers play a pivotal role in how well a school weathers and recovers from a crisis. Whether it's a hurricane, a flood, a tornado, or a man-made event, preparation determines resilience.

  • textured paper collage shows a school building on fire as a fire truck sprays water into the flames

    Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

    We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.

  • South Texas K–12 District Debuts Region’s First Electric Bus Fleet

    The Valley View Independent School District in Pharr, Texas, recently announced a partnership with Highland Electric Fleets to launch the district’s—and the region’s—first fleet of all-electric school buses, according to a news release.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

Digital Edition