Boston University confirmed the Student Village’s second phase of construction is on schedule, and the tentative third phase that will complete the dormitory trio and meet the university’s goal of adding 2,300 on-campus beds is beginning to take shape.
The Student Village Phase II will open in September 2009 and StuVi3 is still in early planning stages, said BU Director of Space Management Paul Rinaldi. The third dorm will house the fewest students, as nearly 1,800 students will already be accommodated by Phases I and II.
StuVi2 will house 960 students and be open to sophomore residents, unlike the first dorm at 10 Buick St., which is now only available for juniors and seniors, Director of Housing Marc Robillard said.
“Ultimately, [Student Village] will have 2,300 beds,” Robillard said. “That’s what we approved for back in the late 1980s when the master plan for the site was approved.”
“Students love living in West Campus,” Robillard said. “Unfortunately, options are currently limited. We are very excited about the inclusion of underclassmen in Student Village. It will be great for students moving on to their sophomore year.”
StuVi2 will incorporate both apartment- and suite-style living arrangements, becoming the first dorm of its kind at BU. At 26 stories, the main tower will make it the tallest dormitory on campus, and it will feature two floors of bicycle storage and a large common lounge on the top floor.
“It will have awesome views,” Robillard said. “We are really looking forward to that.”
Robillard said the tower will overlook the Charles River and have a clear view of downtown Boston.
StuVi3 will be situated between 10 Buick St. and StuVi2 upon a raised deck, Robillard said.
He said the deck will be built over the current parking lot between the two dorms, making it possible to walk between them. StuVi3 will be constructed on top of the deck.
“Of course, that last building will be expensive since it will be built upon a parking deck,” Robillard said.
No timetable has been set for the construction of StuVi3.