Purdue University has revealed plans to develop Hillenbrand Residence Hall South, a 896-bed residence hall in West Lafayette, Ind. Construction is slated to begin in March 2024 and be completed by June 2026. The $149 million project, to be funded through non-fee replaced debt, marks the university’s second student housing proposal approved this year.
During the same meeting, the university board granted authorization to plan, fund and develop a 186,000-square-foot Nursing and Pharmacy Education facility on the West Lafayette campus. Groundbreaking is expected in September 2024, with completion slated for October 2026. The project is expected to reach $160 million, which will be covered through a combination of state funds, donations and operating reserve funds.
Hillenbrand Residence Hall South, up close
The eight-story building will rise south of Hillenbrand Residence Hall on the West Lafayette campus. Plans also include the renovation of the existing dining area in Hillenbrand Residence Hall by extending it from 500 to 800 seats to accommodate additional students. In addition, the 252,525-square-foot property will be a key location for The Data Mine, a living learning community where students learn data science competencies and then apply such skills in corporate and research settings.
Earlier this year, Purdue University trustees approved the development of a 1,000-bed student housing project at Third Street and McCormick Road in West Lafayette. Since 2013, the university’s enrollment surged by 31 percent. Following the finalization of the Hillenbrand South and Third Street, along with the McCormick Road housing undertakings, the community will contribute to a 35 percent upswing in the count of on-campus beds.
Purdue was among the three Yardi 200 universities with four or more properties that had an annual rent growth of more than 20 percent in June, according to a Yardi Matrix report. Purdue was also fully leased as of June.
