SCC Approves $48 Million Lincoln Residence Hall
The Board of Governors signed off on a new construction project to add 248 living units at the Lincoln campus.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Construction
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Southeast Community College is moving forward with a new $48.4 million residence and dining hall on its Lincoln campus. The project is designed to accommodate growing demand for on-campus housing as the school shifts away from being a commuter-only institution.
Why it matters
With 100 students currently on a waiting list for existing housing, the expansion aims to address capacity shortages that emerged following the 2024 opening of Woodhaven Hall. The project reflects a strategic effort by the college to increase its residential footprint.
The new 128,000-square-foot facility features 248 living units and a 300-seat dining hall. Financing is secured through $36.9 million in revenue bonds alongside student fees, the general fund, and the capital improvement fund.
The players
Southeast Community College
This is a public community college system that serves a multi-county area of Nebraska and operates several campus locations.
Boyd Jones Construction
This firm is a regional contractor specializing in commercial building projects throughout the Midwest.
BVH Architecture
This is a regional design firm that provides architectural and planning services for institutional and educational clients.
The details
The facility was designed by BVH Architecture and will be built by Boyd Jones Construction. It will serve as the second residence hall on the SCC-Lincoln campus, following the 2024 completion of Woodhaven Hall.
Timeline
The SCC Board of Governors approved the construction contract in October 2026.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for November 10, 2026.
The facility is expected to open at the start of the 2028-29 school year.
Market Landscape
This project aligns with a national trend of community colleges shifting away from commuter-only models toward residential campus life. By expanding its housing capacity, Southeast Community College is attempting to increase student retention and enrollment competitiveness.
Students can expect additional housing options that may eventually alleviate current waitlist pressures. The new facility will provide expanded dining and study resources for those living on the main Lincoln campus.
The takeaway
Expanding on-campus housing is a direct response to the overflow of demand experienced since the debut of the previous residence hall. This development signals a permanent evolution in the campus experience for local students.
What happens next
The college will host a groundbreaking ceremony on November 10, 2026.
Further reading
Find more developments regarding local projects in the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Omaha World-Herald.
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Should community colleges prioritize building residential housing to reduce student commuter status?
