University of the Ozarks announced has started construction on a new $27 million, four-story residence hall, one of the largest capital construction projects in the private liberal arts school’s 190-year history.
The 250-bed, 64,000-SF residence hall is expected to be completed for the start of the 2025 fall semester.
The university hired Kinco Constructors LLC of Springdale to build the residence hall and Credo Design Architects LLC to design it.
In a news release, the university in Clarksville said the project is funded with a tax-exempt bonds issuance for $24 million from Crews & Associates and a $3 million loan from the Pearl M. and Julia J. Harmon Foundation.
“The construction of our new residence hall exemplifies the unwavering commitment of our University to the success and well-being of our students,” Gloria Arcia, the university’s executive vice president and CFO, said in the release. “This project not only enhances campus life but also signifies a significant stride towards realizing our broader vision outlined in the campus master plan — fostering an environment where students can thrive and reach their fullest potential.”
Currently, the university’s largest residence hall is the 47,000-SF MacLean Hall, built in 1927. The new residence hall will primarily house first-year students and replace two aging residence halls that were built in 1964 and 1971.
“My colleagues and I are incredibly excited about the construction of a new home for Ozarks’ future freshmen,” Dody Pelts, vice president for student success, said in a statement. “The residential experience provides one of the most impactful learning opportunities in higher education. This design will encourage students to create lasting friendships, learn personal responsibility, and cultivate independence while living in a safe, inclusive environment. We are thrilled to be able to offer modernized accommodations for our students and can’t wait to welcome them into the Ozarks community.”
The name of the new residence hall will be determined at a later date.
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