The University of Arizona has commenced construction on The Catalina, a new nine-storey student residence expected to provide on-campus accommodation for more than 1,300 students.
The project, which began construction seven months after its initial proposal, involves collaboration with Mortenson Development, Mortenson and Collegiate Housing Foundation. Completion is scheduled for autumn 2028.
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The dormitory is intended to help meet increasing demand for student accommodation, particularly as the university plans to require first-year, full-time students to live on campus starting in autumn 2026. Those living within a 30-mile radius or facing particular circumstances may be exempted.
The Catalina will feature suite-style units, a dining hall, and will be designed to facilitate various support services and programming.
University of Arizona president Suresh Garimella said: “Success for every student is our North Star, and the connection between living on campus and graduating on time is undeniable.
“Our students who live on campus for at least one year have a 50% higher four-year graduation rate than those who never do. The Catalina is designed around that fact and what our Wildcats have told us they need.”
The planning and construction process is being managed through a development strategy that leverages Mortenson’s skills in development, construction, design and financing.
Financing has been arranged through a tax-exempt structure in cooperation with Collegiate Housing Foundation (CHF) and RBC Capital Markets.
The model aims to expand the university’s housing capacity while maintaining financial flexibility and planning for eventual university ownership.
CHF president Will Givhan said: “Collegiate Housing Foundation is pleased to be able to work with Mortenson and RBC to assist the University of Arizona by financing, owning and operating a new on-campus residence hall, thereby making it the 73rd addition to CHF’s portfolio since it began operations in 1996.”
To advance construction, Mortenson Development acquired the project site three months ahead of schedule, which facilitated early demolition and site preparations.
Mortenson real estate development vice-president George Forristall said: “We are proud to work alongside the University of Arizona and Collegiate Housing Foundation to deliver a customised solution that advances the university’s housing strategy while creating a high-quality residential environment for students.”
The Catalina is intended to provide modern living spaces aimed at fostering a sense of community and supporting academic achievement.
