Western Washington University (WWU) marked a major milestone by completing Kaiser Borsari Hall, a cutting-edge learning facility.

The new building will not only expand capacity in WWU’s growing electrical and computer engineering, energy science, and computer science programs but also set a precedent as the first publicly funded zero-energy academic building on a university campus in Washington State.

At approximately 54,000 square feet, it will provide state-of-the-art teaching spaces and experiential learning environments, along with teaching labs, learning research labs, active learning classrooms, collaborative space, and academic administrative space.

Kaiser Borsari Hall is a public-private funding partnership financed by a lead gift alongside state and federal funds. Perkins&Will is performing design consulting, and Mortenson is the general contractor and construction manager. The structure’s eco-friendly design integrates advanced energy-saving technologies to ensure carbon neutrality and operates with a zero-energy footprint.

Photo credit: Eastdil Secured

Work is heating up at the site for the East Civic Tower, the new city hall complex at the corner of Hargett and McDowell streets across from Nash Square. The site is next to the city’s current municipal complex.

The Triad Business Journal reports the project, which broke ground last summer, has a $206 million budget and calls for a 17-story building that will house the City Council chambers as well as office space and conference rooms for city departments.

The tower will allow the city to consolidate most of its operations and staff into a single building. The design of the building is led by Ratio. The contractors are Brasfield & Gorrie and Holt Brothers Construction.

The building will be 370,000 square feet and is expected to be complete in 2026. Back in 2018, the City Council approved a master plan for a new civic campus that called for three buildings on the block — the others would replace the municipal building and the City Park garage.

A Buford developer is proposing a sprawling mixed-use project northeast of Atlanta. Scott Puckett hopes to build a 75-acre mixed-use project in Hall County. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports he’s aiming to construct 500 homes, both multifamily and standalone, food and beverage locations, a 110-room hotel and a variety of outdoor amenities, such as game courts and walking trails. The project, Ridgeview, is slated for construction at the intersection of Ridge and Friendship roads off Interstate 985.

Construction is scheduled to wrap in April 2027.

Hall County has been the location for a number of planned developments. Gainesville Township, a master-planned community slated for construction in Hall’s county seat, is anticipated to span more than 1,100 acres once completed and feature more than 2,000 residences.

Other master-planned communities in the region include the 386-acre Marina Bay on Lake Lanier and the 1,000-acre Sterling on the Lake projects.

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for La Playa Residence Hall, a $115-million, 108,000-square-foot student housing project. The project is a part of the State of California’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program, which aims to increase below-rate rental options for students living on campus. 

“La Playa Residence Hall will add 424 residents to CSULB’s Hillside Housing village, improving access to affordable on-campus housing at The Beach,” said Yan Krymsky, principal and design director at Perkins&Will’s Los Angeles studio, which designed the project. The project will encompass three five-story buildings with outdoor amenities ranging from patios and dining areas to a welcome plaza and central lawn. 

Once complete, La Playa Residence Hall will hold 424 beds distributed across a mix of single- and double-occupancy student rooms, with lounges, study areas and maintenance facilities located on each floor. Inside each building, there will also be a kitchen on the ground floor, three apartments for staff or faculty, a 2,000-square-foot multipurpose room and music practice rooms. Completion is targeted for summer 2026.

Industry leaders and power players are connecting at Connect Phoenix Multifamily & Single-Family Build-to-Rent on April 18 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Don’t miss the expert’s take on where the market is headed, and what changes are on the horizon. Register Now!

Be there in person for the 8th Annual Connect Los Angeles 2024, May 1 at the Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown. Industry leading experts will share insights and forecasts on today’s CRE markets.   

An affordable place for Atlanta’s city workers is taking shape. The Atlanta Business Journal reports a duo of developers affiliated with three area churches are planning 200 workforce apartments across the street from Atlanta City Hall.

Radiant Development Partners and Capitol Hill Neighborhood Development Corp. hope to start construction on the 10-story project, known as Trinity Flats, by the end of the year.

The project has received 4% low-income housing tax credits, thanks to the George Department of Community Affairs, which will contribute about $50 million in equity toward the project. The total development cost for the project are expected to be around $72 million. Other funding sources include tax-exempt loans, bonds and a commitment from Partners for Home, the city’s primary partner for ending homelessness.

Plans include approximately 7,500 square feet of retail space to be installed along Central Avenue.

Most of the apartments are to be set aside for households earning 50% and those earning 80% AMI.

Industry leaders and power players are connecting at Connect Phoenix Multifamily & Single-Family Build-to-Rent on April 18 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Don’t miss the expert’s take on where the market is headed, and what changes are on the horizon. Register Now!

Boston-based Finegold Alexander Architects has completed the renovation and addition project for Wellesley College’s Severance Hall, a step in the college’s efforts to revitalize its residential portfolio. This project is the first in a series of residence hall renewals.  

Built in 1926, Severance Hall now features 100 student bedrooms accommodating 162 students. The project focused on retiring deferred maintenance, ensuring life safety, and enhancing energy efficiency. It included insulation, interior storm windows, and low-temperature hot water heating. The design also incorporated accessibility improvements and added small gathering spaces, kitchenettes, and technology upgrades.  

“This project exemplifies our commitment to preserving historic structures while meeting contemporary needs for sustainability and accessibility,” said Rebecca Berry, president and director of Sustainability at Finegold Alexander Architects. “We are grateful to have worked collaboratively with Wellesley College and Elaine Construction to breathe new life into Severance Hall.”