The University of Holy Cross in New Orleans is building its first-ever residence hall.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that the $14 million, 60,000-square-foot building will house up to 135 students. The four-story building will have single bedroom suites, two-bedroom suites equipped with living rooms, and four-bedroom suites that have kitchens.
Officials expect that the facility will be ready for student occupancy for the 2018-19 school yea
University of Holy Cross President David M. "Buck" Landry says the project marks the university's "transitional period" into a residential campus. The university was established in New Orleans in 1916.
Once completed, the building will have Wi-Fi capabilities, a kitchen, living room, conference centers and two study rooms each on the second, third and fourth floors. The building also will have a prayer and meditation room, a fitness center, postal area and laundry facilities.
University officials say the hall is expected to help increase university enrollment, which stands at 1,301 students in the university's undergraduate and graduate programs.
Algiers Economic Development Foundation executive director Derrick Martin says the building will cause a "positive ripple financial effect in the community" from its new residents.
The project builder is The McDonnel Group. It is using the design-build delivery method and is working with Manning Architects.
