July 15, 2016
MILWAUKEE — ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ has selected a team to lead the design and construction of a new residence hall development that is scheduled to break ground later this year and open in time for the 2018-19 academic year. The team includes strong participation from firms with a presence in southeast Wisconsin coupled with national expertise in the design and construction of facilities that impact student experience.
Design Collective, a Baltimore-based design firm with national expertise in education and student housing, and Workshop Architects, a Milwaukee-based firm that focuses on creating environments for social interaction and creative expression, will partner to form the design team — a unique collaboration that will combine both firms' strengths into one integrated team for this project. J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., one of the Midwest's leading builders with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, will serve as construction manager for the development.
"We're excited to take the next step toward building a new living community for our students, which has been a primary focus throughout the university's master planning process," said University Architect Lora Strigens. "In our search for a design team, we wanted a partnership between a national firm on the leading edge of new trends in student housing and a local firm that understands Marquette and Milwaukee. We also looked for a construction management firm with a strong reputation and roots in our region. Through our collaborative relationship with Design Collective, Workshop Architects and Findorff, we expect to create a transformative living experience for our students."
The project, estimated at $96 million, is on the southern edge of Wells Street between 17th and 18th Streets. The new co-ed residence hall will house 750 freshmen and sophomore undergraduate students. The site, which is directly north of the existing Humphrey Hall, is already cleared and available. The new residence halls will have approximately 375 beds each and be connected by dining and community space.
Once the new facilities are fully operational, the university plans to raze McCormick Hall, which currently houses 725 beds and is more than 50 years old. Future use of that space will be determined as part of the university's master planning process. The overall project will primarily be funded through cash reserves, funds from the university's capital budget and debt financing.
