Chattanooga, TN, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has commenced construction on the Oak Street Residence Hall, aimed at combating its student housing deficiency. With a projected completion date in fall 2027, this facility will provide 794 beds. The initiative supports UTC’s enrollment goal of 14,800 students by 2030. Currently, the university can only accommodate 3,700 students while actively receiving over 5,000 housing applications each year. The new hall will feature double-occupancy rooms, study areas, and spaces for student activities.
Chattanooga, TN – UTC Breaks Ground on New Residence Hall to Alleviate Housing Shortage for Students
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has officially broken ground on the new Oak Street Residence Hall, a key development aimed at addressing the growing housing needs of the university’s students. This new facility is projected to provide 794 beds for students and is expected to be completed by fall 2027.
Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce has highlighted the importance of this project, especially as UTC works toward a goal of enrolling 14,800 students by 2030, with a personal ambition to reach 15,000 students. This initiative comes in light of the university’s largest enrolled student body, recorded last fall with 11,834 students. Currently, UTC can only offer around 3,700 beds for students, while each year, over 5,000 housing applications are submitted, leaving more than 1,200 students on a waiting list.
The Oak Street Residence Hall will be strategically located on the site of the former Frist Hall, positioned between McCallie Avenue and Oak Street. The design is structured to include double-occupancy rooms, study areas, and common spaces for club meetings, along with a pedestrian corridor that will connect both sides of the campus.
With a budget of $114 million, the project is being constructed by the Chattanooga-based architecture firm Tinker Ma. The new hall is expected to enhance the overall student experience, as noted by the vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs, who stated that every aspect of student life was considered in the design and programming of the building. Student representatives have also expressed enthusiasm, looking forward to welcoming new students to the residence hall.
Related Housing Developments at UTC and UT Knoxville
Additional housing developments are also underway at other campuses within the University of Tennessee System. At the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, two new residence halls, Beacon and Poplar, are expected to accommodate a total of 1,883 students. Meanwhile, older dormitories Massey and North Carrick halls will not house students for the upcoming fall semester, although South Carrick Hall will temporarily serve students awaiting permanent accommodations.
A new dormitory, Torchbearer Hall, is set to open next year and will provide space for 1,028 students. The collective estimated cost of constructing these new dorms at the Knoxville campus amounts to about $311 million. These facilities will feature amenities such as a post office, laundry room, community kitchen, recreational areas, and dedicated study rooms. Both Beacon and Poplar halls will offer suite-style rooms and are designed with a courtyard that contains social and recreational spaces.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Oak Street Residence Hall | Beacon and Poplar Halls | Torchbearer Hall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated Completion | Fall 2027 | Open Soon | Next Year |
| Total Beds | 794 | 1,883 | 1,028 |
| Budget | $114 million | $311 million (combined) | Part of $311 million total |
| Amenities | Study areas, common spaces | Post office, laundry, kitchen | To be announced |
FAQ
- What is the purpose of the new Oak Street Residence Hall?
- The new residence hall aims to alleviate the housing shortage for students at UTC by providing additional accommodations for 794 students.
- When will the Oak Street Residence Hall be completed?
- The expected completion date for the new residence hall is fall 2027.
- What is the total budget for the Oak Street Residence Hall project?
- The budget for the construction of the Oak Street Residence Hall is $114 million.
- How many students currently live on campus at UTC?
- Currently, UTC offers around 3,700 beds to students, although there are over 5,000 housing application requests each year.
- What kind of facilities will be available in the new residence hall?
- The Oak Street Residence Hall will include double-occupancy rooms, study areas, and spaces for clubs and student activities, along with common areas to promote social interactions.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: UT Knoxville Opens New Dorms
- BDC Network: UT Knoxville Begins Construction
- WBIR: New UT Residence Halls Opening
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee
- WATE: UT Student Charged with Attempted Murder
- Google Search: University of Tennessee student housing
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