Tuesday, June 23, 2015
The University of Waterloo broke ground today to mark the official start of construction of an innovative new residence for undergraduate students.
The student-focused design is a result of an extensive consultation process with stakeholders to create a living environment that enhances learning opportunities for its residents.
"Waterloo attracts the world's best, brightest and most motivated students," said Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor of Waterloo. "For many of them, the campus is their home for several years. We are committed to enriching the student experience with a student-focused approach to services so that every aspect of a student’s life on campus can be vibrant and fulfilling."
Among other amenities, the 12-storey building will include a community centre, 16 bathrooms per living floor, laundry, fitness room, a multi-faith space and six lounges on each floor where students can socialize and study with their peers. The space will also be home to a full service cafeteria that will enhance the living experience for all students at UW Place, the largest residence community on campus.
"We consulted with students and other stakeholders so that we considered all factors that are integral to a welcoming and positive environment that will support the personal, social and educational needs of our students," said Glen Weppler, director of housing and residences at Waterloo. "This building will house more than 500 students, and its completion will ensure that the University can continue to offer its first-year housing guarantee for undergraduate students, a crucial component for student success."
The target completion date of the project is the summer of 2017, with the first residents moving in just before the fall term.
Credit: Masri O Architects
About the University of Waterloo
In just half a century, the University of Waterloo, located at the heart of Canada's technology hub, has become one of Canada's leading comprehensive universities with 35,000 full- and part-time students in undergraduate and graduate programs. A globally focused institution, celebrated as Canada’s most innovative university for 23 consecutive years, Waterloo is home to the world's largest post-secondary co-operative education program and encourages enterprising partnerships in learning, research and discovery. In the next decade, the university is committed to building a better future for Canada and the world by championing innovation and collaboration to create solutions relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow. For more information about Waterloo, please visit uwaterloo.ca.
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Media Contact:
Pamela Smyth
University of Waterloo
519-888-4777
www.uwaterloo.ca/news
@uWaterlooNews
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