New student housing options coming soon

Southeastern will soon begin construction of two new student housing facilities to meet growing demand for campus living options. The multi-faceted project is slated to begin this month with residence halls move-in set for fall 2018.

New Student Housing Rendering

“This project is the culmination of an internal goal to provide our students with modern, tech-friendly living spaces,” said Vice President for Administration and Finance Sam Domiano. “We are proud to be able to incorporate new facilities on campus that will add to our on-campus housing offerings, enhance programming and benefit our students for years to come.”

The approximate $36 million undertaking is being funded as a third party financing project through University Facilities, Inc., an affiliate organization of the university. Bonds are sold to secure funds, with rental fees and other housing and auxiliary revenues used to secure the debt. The project is supported by self-generated revenues, and is not funded with state dollars.

A unique feature of the facility will be the incorporation of a hybrid geothermal system for heating and cooling – the first of its kind in the state. This system is projected to reduce energy costs by more than 50 percent, and will also serve as a learning laboratory for real world experiences for Southeastern students in various disciplines.

The four-story buildings will be situated on the western side of campus north of Texas Drive and feature 556 beds available in a mix of shared double and private double semi-suites.  

New Student Housing Rendering

Designed with student programming in mind, community corner lounges for socializing, as well as quiet study rooms will be located throughout the buildings. In addition, multipurpose space will be provided on the first floor of each building. The configuration of these rooms, and the integrated technology, is intended to house classes, as well host various social, entertainment, and other educational events.

The northernmost building will include a retail food venue on the first floor that will be accessible from within the building and also from a north entrance. It will include seating for up to 50 people. The south building will have a technology enhanced living/learning classroom space capable of seating up to 40. Wireless card readers will replace keys to enhance security, providing secure building and individual room entry.

Zachary Taylor Hall will remain in use until the completion of construction of the two new residence halls. The full project encompasses several phases and includes the development of green space, configuration of parking lots, paving of walkways and the addition of adjacent plaza areas. 

As the Southeastern campus landscape enters a new chapter in which Twelve Oaks reception hall will give way to this new student housing project, we hope the community will join with us in celebrating the myriad of memories made there. 

Thursday, June 1, 2017 12:28:50 PM CDT
by: Allen Cutrer