University of Minnesota Requested Design for Hall

The school seeks proposals for a new 500-bed facility on its Saint Paul campus.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in College Life

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern brick and glass university residence hall building set among mature trees. — The University of Minnesota has issued a formal request for design proposals for a new $100 million, 500-bed residence hall in Saint Paul. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The University of Minnesota has issued a request for design proposals for a $100 million residence hall on its Saint Paul campus. The project aims to provide 500 beds as part of a larger effort to revitalize the campus area.

Why it matters

The initiative addresses the growing demand for modern on-campus housing for undergraduate students. It is part of a broader strategic plan to update facilities on the Saint Paul grounds.

The new residence hall project carries a $100 million budget to support 500 beds. The facility must adhere to the Minnesota B3 sustainable building guidelines.

The players

University of Minnesota

This is a public research university that manages multiple campuses and student housing facilities across the state.

The details

Located north of Buford Avenue and west of Buford Circle, the project site currently houses Bailey Hall, a dining center, and a student center complex. The design must accommodate phased expansion to account for future housing needs on the campus.

Design proposals for the residence hall are due October 28, 2026.
Construction is targeted to begin in summer 2028.
Substantial completion of the residence hall is targeted for April 2030.

Culture Shift

This development follows the Minnesota B3 sustainable building guidelines, which mandates strict energy and environmental performance standards for state-funded projects. The focus on long-term sustainability reflects a growing trend in campus infrastructure modernization.

Students should anticipate significant construction activity near the Buford Avenue and Buford Circle area over the next several years. The future facility will eventually increase available on-campus housing options for undergraduates in Saint Paul.

The takeaway

The university is balancing modern housing demand with sustainability requirements to upgrade its campus facilities. Students and local residents should expect long-term construction as part of this broader revitalization strategy.