Belmont University broke ground today on a new $17 million residence hall and parking garage that will provide living space for 322 students and increase on-campus parking by 400 spaces. The residence hall will be named Thrailkill Hall in honor of Belmont’s past chairman Larry Thrailkill and his wife, Jan. Thrailkill has served on the university’s Board of Trustees since 1980 and lead the board as chairman during a period of rapid growth for the university.
Belmont’s enrollment has increased 33 percent since 2000, with current enrollment of nearly 4,000 students, making it the second-largest private university and largest Christian university in Tennessee.
“Belmont University has plans for continued student growth over the next few years, creating the need for more residence capacity on campus,” Belmont University President Dr. Robert Fisher said. “We’re thrilled to begin construction on the university’s newest residence hall, and also recognize the Thrailkills; they have been tireless and generous supporters of Belmont for many years.”
Thrailkill Hall, which is very similar in design to Kennedy Hall, a 200-bed residence hall the university opened in the fall of 2003, is located on a 6.5-acre site along 15th Avenue on the east side of the Belmont campus. The five-story, 77,841-square-foot residence hall, scheduled to open in the fall of 2006, will offer suite-style living for four residents in each suite and substantial lobby and common space. The new facility will increase both living and learning space for Belmont’s fast-growing student body.
“The new facility provides exceptional housing for Belmont students and expands access to the university’s popular and productive residential experience. It’s a powerful addition to the vibrant campus culture we’re building. We look forward to what it promises the entire campus community,” said Dr. Andrew Johnston, Dean of Students.
RC Mathews Contractor of Nashville is constructing the new residence hall, which was designed by Everton Oglesby Architects of Nashville.
Hi-res image of Thrailkill Hall.
Photos from today’s groundbreaking for Thrailkill Hall
Belmont University President Bob Fisher
Board of Trustees Chairman Marty Dickens
Groundbreaking, with students Aaron Proffitt, Music Business major from Gatlinburg, TN, and Brandy Charles, Education major from Mt. Juliet, Board of Trustees member Helen Kennedy, Jan Thrailkill, Larry Thrailkill, Board Chairman Marty Dickens, Belmont University President Bob Fisher
Jan and Larry Thrailkill
All photos by Belmont University staff photographer Michael Krouskop. Click for larger versions.
Video from today’s groundbreaking for Thrailkill Hall
Click here to download the video clip. (Video not Netscape compatible).
Media Coverage
Belmont to build dorm, garage – Nashville Business Journal online, June 8, 2005
Belmont: New $17 million dorm – Nashville City Paper, Jun8 8, 2005
