For press information, contact Curt Guenther

The University of Memphis will break ground June 19 for a new residence complex to replace West Hall at the corner of Patterson and Desoto on the U of M campus.  Two new buildings, with office and classroom space in addition to residential areas, will be completed by March 2010.  The $26 million project will house up to 496 students in “neighborhoods” that will each accommodate 18-22 students.

The buildings are expected to meet LEED Silver Standards in terms of sustainability and “green” design.  “This new housing will ensure that the University of Memphis has residence halls built in a sustainable manner and offering the latest in technology to meet the housing demands of students not just from the Mid-South, but from around the country,” said Danny Armitage, associate dean of students.

Each room will be outfitted with high-speed Internet and cable television connections.  Residential areas will feature double and single rooms with semi-private baths, along with kitchen and community space.  Residents will have access to free laundry facilities on every floor.  Entry to each building will be controlled by “smart cards,” and security cameras will monitor all entrances.

This project is the second phase of a multi-phase plan to renew housing at the University of Memphis.  Phase one was completed two years ago with the opening of additional townhouses at Carpenter Complex Apartments just north of Central Avenue.  As with those residences, the University’s Academic Affairs Division has again partnered with Residence Life and Dining Services to create several “living-learning” communities in the new buildings.

The faculty of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and the Honors College and the staff of the Emerging Leaders Program will coordinate events and support programs in the residence halls to help students achieve their academic goals.  To assist with these programs, the buildings will have additional classroom space and music practice rooms.

Founded in 1912, the University of Memphis is a comprehensive metropolitan research university that is recognized nationally and internationally for its academic, research, and athletic programs. With more than 20,000 students, the U of M offers more than 254 areas of study for those seeking bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. It also offers the juris doctor (law) and education specialist degrees.