UNC Chapel Hill breaks ground on first new dorms in 20 years

UNC Chapel Hill has started construction on its first new student residence halls in over two decades, WRAL reported. The project includes two new dorms on Raleigh Street, one of which will honor two pioneering Black faculty members. Together, the buildings will provide 730 additional beds for students.

The combined cost of the dorms is nearly $160 million, significantly higher than the original $110 million estimate. Chancellor Lee Roberts explained that rising construction costs have contributed to the increase, but emphasized the university is building practical facilities rather than luxury ones.

Funding for the construction comes from a student fee that is already in place. Meanwhile, university leaders are considering a 10% tuition increase for out-of-state undergraduates, along with potential 5-10% increases in housing and dining plans, which the Board of Trustees will decide on.

Executive Director of Student Housing Allan Blattner said the new dorms represent a major step forward for the university, which has not built new residence halls in a long time. The project aims to address growing student enrollment and housing demand while maintaining cost-conscious design choices.