SMU Residential Expansion Underway
In a ceremony Friday, SMU officials broke ground on the university’s new residential commons, which will add space for more than 1,200 students.
The new complex will consist of five residential buildings constructed in the southeast section of campus. It will incorporate live-in faculty members who also have offices and teach classes within the residential halls. The Commons will dramatically increase SMU’s on-campus housing, satisfying the University’s objective to provide a two-year residency requirement and enhancing personal exploration and growth for students, said SMU Vice President for Student Affairs Lori White, in a statement.
“The Residential Commons will bring a new vitality to campus and a stronger sense of community for our first- and second-year students,” White said. “Students will have opportunities to continue the relationship with their Commons during their junior and senior years through ongoing social events and academic activities.”
Construction of the Commons is expected to be completed in 2014. The project includes a new dining facility and parking structure as well as renovation of current residence halls.
