Board of Visitors advances capital project that will increase campus housing by 1,200 beds
The construction of four new residence halls is one step closer to completion following the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors’ approval of the capital project construction authorization earlier today.
Once completed, the new buildings will enable the university to advance a multiyear residential investment strategy that will support student success by creating a supportive, engaging, and high-quality on-campus living environment and allow the university to renovate and modernize existing housing inventory.
The investment strategy aligns with Virginia Tech’s recent On-Campus Housing Framework, an appendix and companion product to the University Master Plan. This framework evaluated the condition, configuration, and capacity of the university’s housing portfolio and serves as the guide for short- and long-term capital investment and improvements.
The New Residence Halls capital project – consisting of four new residence halls – targets completion for occupancy at the start of the 2028-29 academic year. Totaling approximately 1,200 beds near Duck Pond Drive, the four buildings neighbor other student-centric facilities including the Classroom Building, Hitt Hall, Data and Decision Sciences Building, Undergraduate Science Laboratory Building, and the Transit Center. The new residence halls will strengthen connections from residential districts to buildings such as these as well as to recreation spaces and transit infrastructure.
“We’re pleased with the efficient design and deliberate blend of programmatic and community spaces that will serve students and the university for decades to come,” said Frances Keene, vice president for Student Affairs. “This significant investment is key toward improving our residential inventory and will provide the necessary swing space to launch a sustained program for renovating and modernizing a substantial portion of our residential facilities over the coming years.”
Designed in the collegiate gothic style, consistent with campus design principles, and closely matching the most recently completed residence hall, Upper Quad Hall North, each of the five-story buildings will feature contemporary rooms capable of accommodating more than 300 residents. Other notable features include efficient building systems, intentional material choices supporting long-term stewardship, and universal design principles.
The university received bids for the project in early May and anticipates construction will begin early this summer upon finalization of the construction contract. This timing will support the broader residential renewal strategy, consisting of a cascade of coordinated and phased major renovations enhancing Campbell, Slusher, Hoge, and Pritchard halls. The availability of 1,200 new beds within the New Residence Halls capital project will provide the necessary swing space during these renovations without compromising on-campus residential requirements.
Additional information on anticipated impacts to the university community and visitors to the Blacksburg campus – such as changes to pedestrian and vehicular routes or elevated noise and contractor presence in the region – will be shared via Virginia Tech News, Blacksburg Campus Impacts webpage, and Division of Facilities’ social media channels.
Clark-Nexsen serves as the architect and engineer for the New Residence Hall project.
