University of the Ozarks has begun construction this month on a new $27 million, four-story residence hall, one of the largest capital construction projects in the University’s 190-year history.
The 250-bed residence hall will be located on the east side of College Avenue, just north and adjacent to MacLean Hall. It is expected to be completed for the start of the 2025 Fall Semester.
The University’s Board of Trustees voted to approve the project earlier this month. The University will fund the project with a tax-exempt bonds issuance for $24 million from Crews and 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,” said Gloria Arcia, Ed.D., executive vice president and chief financial officer. “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.”
The 64,000-square-foot residence hall eclipses the size of the previous largest residence hall on campus, the 47,000-square-foot MacLean Hall, completed in 1927. The new hall will primarily house first-year students and replace two aging residence halls, Smith (1964) and King (1971) halls.
The new residence hall will be divided into 10 housing communities and will include both single and double-occupancy rooms as well as a community kitchen on the first floor. There will be common/collaborative areas on each floor where students will be able to gather and socialize with one another. The two common areas on the first and second floors will also serve as shelter-in-place areas.
Other features of the new hall include an elevator, study rooms, a gaming lounge, laundry rooms, a residential staff office, and a professional staff apartment.
“My colleagues and I are incredibly excited about the construction of a new home for Ozarks’ future freshmen,” said Dody Pelts, vice president for student success. “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. Kinco Constructors, LLC out of Springdale, Ark., is the project’s construction company and Credo Design Architects is the architectural firm.
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