University of North Florida Breaks Ground on New Residence Hall

The University of North Florida recently announced the groundbreaking of a new Honors Residence Hall on its campus in Jacksonville, Fla., according to a news release. The facility is set to open in fall 2025 and will be the university’s first new residence hall since 2009. The new residence hall will bring the campus’ total number of beds to about 4,300 and is part of a university-wide strategic plan to increase the university’s enrollment to 25,000 students by 2029.

The residence hall will stand four stories and cover almost 165,000 square feet, the news release reports. It will include space for about 520 beds, and features beyond standard living-space amenities include a pathway opening between floors, a kitchen, gathering and study spaces, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, and administrative space. The university partnered with Hastings+Chivetta Architects for the project's design and Ajax Building Company as general contractor.

“We are excited to begin construction on this important new community for our students,” said UNF President Moez Limayem. “This new residence hall aligns with UNF’s strategic growth and our commitment to create environments that support student success.”

The living-learning community, designed for honors students, was designed to support student development and learning by connecting students with similar interests and passions. The university has already employed the model in more than a dozen other residence halls on-campus; they have “proven to be exceptional environments for students,” according to Hicks Honors College Dean Dr. Jeff Chamberlain.

“The intention is to promote an environment where students have common interests to build a strong academic and social support system in a convenient location,” said Chamberlain.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • California District Opens New Robotics Center

    The Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) in Cupertino, Calif., recently held a Grand Opening ceremony for a new, district-wide Robotics Center, according to a news release. The 14,500-square-foot facility was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA); Landmark Constructors served as the builder and Blach Construction as general construction manager.

  • Growing Allied Health Workforce Demands Fueling Greater Need for Higher Education Facilities

    With the demand for healthcare professionals at an all-time high, colleges and universities are challenged with supporting the workforce demands in their own communities. Careers in allied health generally require specific training and/or certification, with some positions requiring degrees, certified credentials, and continuing education.

  • CSU Starts Construction on New Engineering Building

    Colorado State University in Denver, Colo., recently began clearing space for the construction of the new Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building, according to a news release.

  • R.I. District Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Elementary School

    Cranston Public Schools in Cranston, R.I., recently announced the completion of Gladstone Elementary School, according to a news release. The 100,000-square-foot facility serves as a replacement for the 1950s-era former building, and it consolidates the student, faculty, and staff populations of Gladstone and Arlington Elementary Schools.