EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — Students at the University of Texas at El Paso will soon have a new on-campus living option designed to expand housing capacity and add new dining and fitness amenities near the center of campus.
University officials broke ground on Thursday on a $102 million complex called Miner Crossing, a 155,500-square-foot residence hall that will add about 507 new beds in single- and double-occupancy rooms.
According to UTEP officials, the new five-story building will be located on the north side of the track at Kidd Field and will mirror a traditional freshman dorm building with a dining hall.
“This will be a traditional freshman dorm with an integrated dining hall at a reasonable price for our students and their families,” UTEP President Heather Wilson said. “With more and more students applying to UTEP from beyond West Texas, we need to expand our on-campus housing.”
The project includes a new 22,000-square-foot dining room with seating for 400 guests and the capacity to serve more than 1,400 meals per day. The dining facility will include a full kitchen, bakery, allergen-free zone, pizza oven, and office space for staff. Students will be able to choose from 11 food stations, including a salad bar, deli, grill, pizza station, and ice cream bar.
Inside the residence hall, study rooms and open study nooks will be placed throughout the building. Plans also call for a first-floor amenity space with a gaming area, living room, multipurpose space, and mailroom.
Additionally, there will be a 1,350-square-foot fitness center that will include cardio equipment and free weights.
“This new housing option will allow students to be fully integrated with campus life,” said Catie McCorry-Andalis, Ed.D., vice president of student affairs. “Students can easily access the track for exercise; the Union for additional dining options; and classes.”
The exterior is planned to reflect UTEP’s Bhutanese architectural style, with native Chihuahuan desert plant landscaping designed by Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. The firm also designed a decorative courtyard and breezeway planned for the south side of the building to connect the housing facility to Kidd Field.
The building was designed by Ayers Saint Gross and is being built by Sundt Construction.
According to university officials, construction is expected to take about two years, with the dorm scheduled to be complete and available for students in the Fall 2028 semester.
UTEP currently has 1,000 beds on campus and has had a housing waiting list for the last four years.
Students interested in applying to live in the new dorm can visit the housing website here.
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