Opportunity: In order to provide improved living facilities for 3,600 first and second year students, the University of Illinois sought to construct ten new residence halls, as well as consolidate current dining and residential support spaces, all as part of a multi-year implementation plan that would realize no loss of current bed-count.
Solution: Nugent Hall is the flagship of a multi-year, multi-phase plan to build state-of-the-art residence halls on the UIUC campus. The 132,000 sf Nugent Hall will feature double occupancy, suite-style rooms, semi-private bathrooms, and air conditioned living environments that reflect contemporary student preferences. A prominent feature of the project is the integration of the existing Beckwith Hall, a nationally-renowned facility that provides accessible living spaces for 26 students with severe physical disabilities and their personal assistants.
Value: With sustainable features including solar thermal energy, rain gardens, and green roofs, this project sets a new standard for University residential housing and is pursuing LEED Silver certification.