U Launches Innovative Housing

New student housing is coming to the U through an innovative public-private partnership, fostering the development of campus into an even more vibrant residential environment. The $155 million project will add over 1,400 beds just south of Kahlert Village, kicking off a long-term initiative to bring more housing to campus.

This public-private partnership (P3) model allows the U to collaborate with American Campus Communities (ACC), a private developer, to expand student housing rapidly while transferring development risks and preserving its financial resources for other critical initiatives.

Under the agreement, ACC will construct and manage the facility under a 55-year renewable ground lease, with the land and buildings ultimately belonging to the university.

“These new facilities will address the lack of on-campus housing supply, waitlists, and undersupply of private market student housing, as well as help the university reach its goals of 40,000 student enrollment and all first-year undergraduates living on campus,” says John Creer BS’86, the U’s chief real estate officer.

The six-story residence hall, spanning 349,342 square feet, is designed for first- and second-year students. It will feature a mix of double and single rooms, as well as semi-suites and full suites. The design is inspired by the colors and textures of the Wasatch Front canyons.

The U will manage and program the ground floor space, which includes 17,000 square feet of amenities such as a gaming hub, dining areas, and fitness facilities. Construction began last fall, with the facility expected to open in fall 2026.

The agreement also considers the possible role of the new housing during the 2034 Winter Olympics, with provisions for the facility to potentially accommodate athletes, should Salt Lake City’s recently won bid to host the Games necessitate additional housing options.

This project is a significant step toward achieving what U leaders term “college town magic,” transforming the U into a vibrant residential campus that enhances the overall student experience.