The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has broken ground on Miner Crossing, a new $102m student residential complex aimed at increasing the university’s on-campus accommodation capacity.
The five-storey, 155,500ft² residence hall will be built on the north side of Kidd Field, near the centre of the campus. It will provide approximately 507 new beds in single and double rooms in this new education constrution project.
Miner Crossing will also include a 22,000ft² dining facility with space for 400 guests and the capacity to serve more than 1,400 meals daily.
The dining options will feature 11 food stations, including a salad bar, deli, grill, pizza station, bakery and ice cream bar, along with an allergen-free zone and a full kitchen. Office space for staff is part of the plan as well.
Throughout the building, students will have access to study rooms and open nooks, with a first-floor area providing a gaming section, living room, multi-purpose space and mailroom.
A 1,350ft² fitness centre will offer cardio equipment and free weights.
The development responds to what the university describes as a growing demand for on-campus housing. UTEP currently offers 1,000 on-campus beds.
UTEP president Heather Wilson said: “This will be a traditional freshman dorm with an integrated dining hall at a reasonable price for our students and their families. With more and more students applying to UTEP from beyond West Texas, we need to expand our on-campus housing.”
Ayers Saint Gross is the lead architect for the building, while Sundt Construction is managing the construction.
The project design incorporates UTEP’s Bhutanese-inspired architectural style and landscaping with native Chihuahuan desert plants.
The outdoor space will include a courtyard and breezeway, designed by Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, connecting the housing facility to Kidd Field.
Construction is expected to take about two years, with the facility planned to open to students for the Autumn 2028 semester.
UTEP student affairs vice-president Catie McCorry-Andalis said: “This new housing option will allow students to be fully integrated with campus life. Students can easily access the track for exercise; the Union for additional dining options; and classes.”
