Bucknell University to Build New Residence Halls

Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., recently announced that it will build four apartment-style residence halls over the next two years. The new housing facilities will replace an existing complex of residential units known as “The Mods,” which are more than 50 years old. A press release reports that each unit will have space for 70 beds for a total capacity of 280 students.

The new residence halls will stand three stories and feature the university’s traditional red-brick exterior. They will feature apartments of various sizes with shared kitchen and bath spaces, and each residence hall will have four student lounge areas and laundry facilities. The new dorms’ design will also include geothermal heating and cooling systems.

“These new, apartment-style residence halls should provide students a substantial upgrade from ‘The Mods,’ which are in need of replacement,” said Fritz Family Dean of Students Amy Badal. “Based on student feedback, we have made a greater commitment to outdoor recreation options for students on campus, and the amenities found at these new student housing units represent a model for what we envision across campus moving forward.”

Bucknell West Residence Hall
Rendering courtesy of Gensler

According to the news release, half of “The Mods” will be demolished after the end of the fall 2022 semester, and the first two residence halls are scheduled to open at the beginning of fall 2023. The other half of the old facility will be replaced with the second pair of new buildings in time for the fall 2024 semester. The university will make alternate on-campus housing arrangements for students displaced by the demolition and construction. They will also feature modular elements that will reportedly shorten the construction schedule by about a year.

The four new buildings will also form the borders of an outdoor recreation area scheduled to feature an amphitheater, fire pit, volleyball court and ping pong tables, grills and additional seating.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • El Paso District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The Canutillo Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, recently announced that construction has begun on a 119,000-square-foot elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects, Carl Daniel Architects, and LDCM Solutions on the new Davenport Elementary School, which has an expected completion date of 2027.

  • Armstrong World Industries Acquires Geometrik

    Armstrong World Industries, designer and manufacturer of interior and exterior architectural applications like ceilings, walls, and metal solutions, recently announced its acquisition of Canada-based Geometrik, according to a news release. The British Columbian Geometrik specializes in designing and manufacturing wood acoustical and wall systems.

  • 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.

  • Texas State University Completes Stadium Renovations

    Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, recently announced that it has completed a series of additions and renovations to its football stadium, according to a news release. Formerly known as the Bobcat Stadium End Zone Complex, the Johnny and Nathali Weisman Football Performance Center is an 85,000-square-foot expansion featuring hospitality spaces, banquet spaces, exterior concourses, and upgrades to the field house.

Digital Edition