Photo of President Eric Kaler and Board of Trustees Chair Fred DiSanto signing a beam for the south residential village

‘Topping off’ the South Residential Village: University President, Board Chair sign project’s final beam

Fifteen months after crews started construction, the final piece of the South Residential Village’s structure is now in place.

University President Eric W. Kaler and Board of Trustees Chair Fred D. DiSanto commemorated the achievement Thursday by signing the last long white beam before construction workers installed it.

Known as a “topping off ceremony,” the moment marks a project’s key milestone in its progress toward completion. Work on its two new residence halls began in July of last year;  it is expected to be ready to welcome students in the fall of 2024.

The 600 new student beds included in the project will increase total available second-year beds to 1,400. The project also includes additional features to enhance student life, including a wellness area, study space, active lounges, meeting areas and rehearsal spaces. Grounds around the buildings include areas for volleyball, grilling and other outdoor activities. 

The university engaged William Rawn Associates as architects for the project.