Phase one to add 298 beds, 562 parking spaces to campus; construction extends University’s economic impact in Middle Tennessee
Belmont University held the official groundbreaking ceremony today for a 298-bed residence hall and 562-car underground parking garage being constructed in the Bruin Hills Apartment area on the southeastern corner of campus. The nearly 110,000 square foot structure is being built on property near the intersection of 15th and Bernard avenues. In addition to the five stories above ground, the facility will also include a three-level underground parking garage.
In addition to expanding campus residence and parking capacity on Belmont’s campus, the construction represents significant economic impact for the city of Nashville. Anticipated to cost $30 million, this project is expected to generate 240 new jobs, adding up to more than 1,600 construction-related employment opportunities the university has generated in the other nine major building/renovation projects on campus since 2002. Dollars invested by the University in construction have grown exponentially in the past decade as well, from $20 million in 2000-2001 to a cumulative total of more than $236 million in 2011.
Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “This new construction represents our ongoing effort to provide an exemplary residential experience for students who seek a complete living/learning community environment. Moreover, this campus growth also reflects our University-wide vision to engage with and serve the Nashville community as a contributing partner in the creation of jobs and development of service-minded citizens.”
The campus’ physical growth comes as a result of significant enrollment expansion from 2,976 students in 2000 to more than 5,900 in 2010-11. These students are making their own contributions to Nashville, offering more than 26,600 hours of service to the community over the course of the last year as part of Belmont-sponsored programs and classes.
As part of Belmont’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, the new facility will incorporate a number of “green” features including a variable flow refrigerant HVAC system, a partially landscaped covered garage area in front of the building, motion sensors on residence room lighting and energy efficient lighting and appliances. The as-yet-unnamed residence hall is also being built on a previously developed campus site; a 56-bed complex was razed, and its debris recycled, to make way for a building plan that will ultimately house nine times that many students.
Designed by EOA Architects with construction by R.C. Mathews, the suite-style residence hall will house upperclassmen and is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy by Fall 2012. The facility’s design allows for a second phase to be added to the structure which, when undertaken, will provide an additional 190 beds.
Click here to see additional photos from the event.
