MALVERN, PA — Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions has been selected to lead the development of a new, state-of-the-art student housing facility at The University of Texas at Austin. The $145 million project will bring 1,070 new beds to the campus, marking the first residence hall construction at the university in nearly two decades.
Demolition and site preparation began in June 2024, with the new facility on Whitis Avenue slated to open in time for the Fall 2027 semester. The modern, purpose-built building will replace outdated dormitories that previously housed 200 beds across six buildings, offering a significantly revitalized and consolidated on-campus living experience.
“We are excited to partner with the University of Texas at Austin on this transformative project,” said Jeffrey Tate, vice president of Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions. “This project will not only provide students with safe, affordable on-campus housing in a modern living environment but will also contribute to the University’s broader goals of enhancing campus life and supporting academic success.”
The new housing complex will feature a mix of single and double rooms, community bathrooms, and an array of student-focused amenities, including lounges, study spaces, and an area housing office. The facility will also include a university-managed conference center to support events of various sizes, further enriching the campus experience.
Dan Allen, executive director of real estate planning and strategy at The University of Texas at Austin, emphasized the importance of the redevelopment project. “Redeveloping Whitis Court is a priority for the University and realizes our commitment to enable more first-time college students access to high-quality, on-campus housing,” he stated. “We have an ideal partner in Balfour Beatty—they have extensive experience creating innovative, state-of-the-art academic buildings and residences across the country—and we are so pleased to work alongside them on this project.”
The project team includes general contractor Andres and architectural firms Clark Nexsen and Levy Dykema. Selected through a competitive process by project advisor Brailsford & Dunlavey under agreement with the 2033 Higher Education Development Foundation, Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions was awarded the contract in January 2024.
Once completed, the residence hall will be managed by the university and is expected to provide modern, accessible, and affordable housing for students, significantly advancing UT Austin’s mission to enhance campus life and academic success.
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