NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont University held an official groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for a new 298-bed residence hall being constructed on the southeastern corner of campus.
The nearly 110,000 square foot structure is being built in the Bruin Hills Apartment area near the intersection of 15th and Bernard avenues.
In addition to the five stories above ground, the facility will also include a three-level, 562-car underground parking garage.
The $30 million project is a direct result of increased enrollment at the school, which has grown from 2,976 students in 2000 to more than 5,900 last year.
The suite-style residence hall will house upperclassmen and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2012.
The new facility will incorporate a number of "green" features including a variable flow refrigerant HVAC system, motion sensors on residence room lighting and energy efficient lighting and appliances.
In addition, the building's design allows for a second phase to be added to the structure which, when undertaken, will provide an additional 190 beds.
School officials expect the project to generate 240 new construction-related jobs for Nashville area residents.
