Salve Regina's Campus Expansion: A New Residence Hall on the Horizon

Construction Timeline

The university has made it clear that construction of the new residence hall is set to commence in spring 2025. This marks the beginning of a transformative project that will bring significant changes to the campus. By fall 2026, students will have the joy of moving into this state-of-the-art facility. The anticipation among the student community is palpable as they look forward to calling this new residence hall their home.

The location of the new residence hall on the corner of Shepard and Lawrence Avenues, near the historic William Watts Sherman House, adds to its charm and significance. It will be a central part of the campus, providing easy access to various academic and recreational facilities.

Facility Details

The new residence hall is designed to accommodate 205 undergraduate students, offering them a comfortable and modern living environment. The state-of-the-art facilities within the building will include well-appointed rooms, common areas for socializing and studying, and modern amenities to enhance the overall living experience.

President Kelli J. Armstrong expressed gratitude for the agreement with neighbors and the city, emphasizing that the new residence hall will be a wonderful addition to the campus and the local community. It will foster a sense of community among students and create lasting memories.

Settlement Agreement Highlights

As part of the settlement agreement, the university has taken several steps to ensure the well-being of the community. One of the key provisions is the addition of sidewalks to Shepard Avenue to promote pedestrian safety. This initiative shows the university's commitment to the safety and well-being of its students and the surrounding neighborhood.

Additionally, a second property on Victoria Avenue has been earmarked for potential redevelopment as a natural grass athletic field, which is expected to be used for softball. This demonstrates the university's dedication to providing a well-rounded educational experience with opportunities for physical activity.

Usage Restrictions and Future Plans

Once the Watts Dormitory is constructed, it will be used exclusively as a dormitory for Salve students during the school year. During the summer break, the building will be available for educational conferences, but it will be prohibited from being occupied by undergraduate students, high school students, or anyone under the age of 21. However, a maximum of 10 undergraduate students can live there during the summer months if they are employed by the university or have work study jobs.

The agreement also places limitations on future dormitory construction in the area. The university has agreed not to construct a dormitory or any new structure on the site that was slated for Wallace Dormitory. Furthermore, it will not construct anything on a property east of one owned by the Cervasios through Whitty's Way LLC.