Carnegie Mellon University is preparing to build a new 265-bed residence hall on its Pittsburgh, Pa., campus—the second major student housing project undertaken by the institution in recent months.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that construction on the four-story residence hall is expected to start this spring; completion is set for summer 2022.
Before starting the work, the university will demolish the Doherty apartment building, which occupies part of the site.
“We plan to recycle existing building materials in the new construction and will be retaining the wood hillside above Doherty Apartments,” says Julie Mattera, a university spokeswoman.
In addition to the 265 beds, the new residence hall, will feature a 6,000-square-foot food market that will be open to students, the surrounding neighborhood, and the campus community.
“During the planning process, the university has been working with nearby neighbors, who have been very supportive of this project and the market,” Mattera says.
The university is seeking a LEED Gold rating for the residence hall, which will have operable windows, LED lighting and low-flow plumbing fixtures.
According to a presentation submitted to the city planning commission, the residence hall also will include a bicycle storage area and a porch.
The project comes on the heels of a controversial plan to build a new six-story residence hall in the Shadyside neighborhood.
That proposal, approved by the planning commission in November, came under fire from some residents who fear it will increase traffic, parking and noise, and negatively affect air quality.
