Keaton PetersVanderbilt University plans to transform its central neighborhood with the construction of four new residential colleges. The major project would add housing for more than 1,300 students by 2028. The expansion represents the latest phase in the university’s push to build residential communities and reshape student life as well as the geography of the campus area.
The project builds on Vanderbilt’s recently completed West End Neighborhood transformation, which wrapped up in August 2024 after 12 years of development. The centerpiece was replacing the 1,200-person Carmichael Towers dormitories, which were imploded in 2019 and 2021, with four modern residential colleges.
Beyond new housing, the project reimagined the entire neighborhood by removing vehicular streets and an alleyway to create pedestrian and bicycle-friendly pathways.
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The new Central Neighborhood development will follow similar design principles, incorporating sustainable features and collaborative spaces aligned with the university’s FutureVU initiative.
As universities nationwide are rethinking student housing, Vanderbilt’s residential college model represents a significant investment to integrate academics and housing, creating living-learning communities that extend education beyond traditional classrooms.
“These spaces are not just buildings—they represent our dedication to creating a sustainable, accessible campus that provides students with a vibrant and collaborative environment where they can live, learn and grow,” says Eric Kopstain, vice chancellor for administration, in a press release.
The multi-phase development will begin in May 2025 with major infrastructure upgrades, including new cooling and heating water lines and burial of overhead utilities. This preparatory work will set the stage for construction of the residential colleges, which could begin as early as summer 2025.
To make way for the new facilities, the university will demolish several existing structures including the Branscomb Quadrangle complex, McTyeire Hall and the University Club. The design emphasizes mixed-use spaces for collaboration and varied housing options including both single rooms and suites. The new residential colleges are expected to welcome their first students for the 2028-29 academic year.
When completed, the expansion will bring Vanderbilt’s total number of residential colleges to 20. Each college is designed to provide opportunities for students to pursue integrated learning, engage in dialogue across differences and develop leadership skills while building relationships with faculty and peers.
The university’s residential college program began in 2008 with The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons for first-year students and has since grown to include six upper-division colleges along West End Avenue.
“For decades, these residence halls have served as a home away from home for countless students,” says C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.
Photo courtesy BugsMeanee
