October 13, 2016

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Renderings of $96 million, 750-bed facility released

MILWAUKEE — Marquette University on Wednesday, Nov. 2, will officially break ground on its new residence hall facility project in a 2 p.m. ceremony on site at 17^th and Wells Streets.

President Michael R. Lovell in May announced the $96 million, 750-bed co-ed facility that will house freshman and sophomore students. Located on the northwest part of campus, south of Wells Street between 17th and 18th Streets, the facility will feature two 375-bed resident towers connected through the lower levels by dining and campus community space.

Architectural renderings are available for download online.

Underscoring the project's importance to the university's strategic plan and campus master plan, Lovell said in his announcement, "For Marquette University to be among the top Catholic and Jesuit institutions in the world, it all must start with the student experience. We have to think and act differently and embrace new ways of living and learning for our community."

According to Lora Strigens, vice president for planning and strategy, the new residence halls, which are set to open in time for the 2018-19 academic year, will feature pod- and suite-like settings, as opposed to the traditional model of large buildings with small double rooms. It will be designed to meet LEED certification standards and will strive to incorporate innovative sustainable practices in the design.

Once the new facilities are fully operational, the university will develop a plan to raze McCormick Hall, Strigens said. McCormick Hall, which currently houses 725 beds, is more than 50 years old.

The project team comprises architect and design firms Baltimore-based Design Collective and Milwaukee's Workshop Architects, and local construction management firm J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.

Media who wish to attend the groundbreaking ceremony should contact Christopher Stolarski, senior communication strategist, at christopher.stolarski@marquette.edu.