PROJECT UPDATES
The University of Utah has been making over its commuter-school reputation. U President Taylor Randall calls it “college town magic,” and it’s part of his vision to inspire students and reimagine higher education.
The new vision aims to complete the transformation. Plans are in motion to increase our offer to 12,000 beds and create a campus city where students can find community and have one-of-a-kind living-learning experiences.
Public-Private Partnership: Phase 1 – October 2026
In September 2024, the U’s Board of Trustees approved the first, $155 million project in a long-term student housing initiative. Phase 1, the first building under construction just south of Kahlert Village, will add 1,446 beds to campus. Building construction is slated to start in October. While the housing will be managed by ACC, university students will still apply for housing through Housing & Residential Education.
Austin, Texas-based American Campus Communities will build a 6-story residence hall with approximately 349,342 square feet of space designed for first year and upper-division students. MHTN Architects and Okland Construction are local partners on the project. The building provides a mix of double and single rooms, as well as semi-suites and full suites with the design inspired by the colors and textures of the Wasatch Front canyons.
Impact & Prosperity Epicenter – NOW OPEN
The Impact & Prosperity Epicenter is the newest housing project at the U, centrally located on lower campus near the Student Life Center, Student Union, Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building, and Lassonde Studios.
It houses 778 residents in six floors and three different housing options: end-cap communities, 4- and 8-bedroom apartments, and cluster-style single and double rooms. Adjacent offices will headquarter two dynamic teams, the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity and the Sorenson Impact Center.
Kahlert Village Fourth Wing – NOW OPEN
Opened in 2020 and expanded in fall 2023, Kahlert Village is the largest Living Learning Community (LLC) on campus. Home to over 1,400 first-year students, residents share interests like STEM, Honors, health and wellness, outdoor leadership, and engineering.
Amenities in this community include the Urban Bytes Café, with a variety of food, including Mexican, Grill, Italian food, Mongolian barbecue, and Salad bar; a 24-hour front desk; meditation space; music rooms; and Creative Commons by Adobe.
CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS
Construction on the University of Utah campus is ongoing with different completion dates. Noise is expected in the lower campus until Fall 2026. Information on concrete pour, road closures, or specific work outside of regular construction times near residence halls is timely informed to our residents.
HRE NEWS
Learn about the University of Utah “college town magic” vision and HRE commitment to create an engaging community where students live, learn, and thrive.