West Grace Street Housing Project
On-campus housing provides an affordable, supportive living and learning environment for new and returning students and continues to show a positive impact on student success. During the 2022-2023 academic year, 85.7% of on-campus first-year students continued to their sophomore year as compared to 81.9% of off-campus first-year students, and on-campus residents at every level (first-year, sophomore, junior and senior) outperformed their off-campus counterparts academically.
The One VCU Master Plan, approved by the BOV in 2019, identified the need for additional student housing, a need that has been compounded by the closing of Johnson Hall and increasing undergraduate housing demand. A new residential housing facility will replace the 518 beds in Johnson Hall and provide additional beds to meet increased demand.
The 325,000 square foot student housing facility features approximately 1,000 single and double semi-suite-style beds as well as a ground floor that will feature a secure residential lobby with space for housing operations, faculty offices, resident amenities and conferencing. Additional ground-floor components include a 5,000 square foot dining venue, two 1,500 square foot retail spaces, and a 6,000 square foot mail center. The crescent-shaped facility is made up of up to 14 floors on the Laurel Street side and eight floors on the Pine Street side. Dedicated back-of-house areas will support essential building operations and services.
Project Status: Schematic design phase
Location: 700 block of W. Grace Street
Where it is on the Six-Year Capital Plan: First biennium (2024-2026)
Estimated Timeline: Depends on funding approval
Funding Source: Combination of VCU auxiliary funds and debt, which will be paid for with student housing payments
Primary Consultants: Glavé & Holmes (architect/engineer), Ayers Saint Gross (design)
It is important to note that undertaking a pre-planning study does not guarantee that a particular project will come to fruition. Issues such as funding availability or a shift in priorities can delay or even cancel a project from becoming a reality.
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