When it comes to higher education in Cincinnati, the University of Cincinnati is without a doubt the largest player in the game, but Xavier University has also been experiencing gains in its student enrollment that have necessitated physical growth as well.
To this end, Xavier University is moving forward with its $115 million
Hoff Academic Quad project that will transform Xavier's campus and increase its size by roughly 10 percent.
The Hoff Academic Quad project broke ground on September 26, 2008 for what is considered to be the
"most sweeping project" in Xavier's 177 year history. Since that time the buildings have been topped out and continue to move towards their 2010 estimated completion dates.
Once complete, the Hoff Academic Quad project will include over 170,000 square feet of new academic space including the new
Williams College of Business and Conaton Learning Commons. Also part of the project will be numerous site improvements including an open quad space named for the 33rd president of Xavier University - James E. Hoff S.J.
As part of the building process, the new structures will be built to
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification standards. Some of the green building features will include reflective roofing materials to minimize the urban heat island effect, low-flow plumbing fixtures, high-performance windows, recycled construction waste, and salvaged materials from buildings torn down to make way for the development.
The $115 million project was made possible through a combination of funds from Xavier's capital fundraising campaign and a bond issue.
Writer:
Randy A. SimesPhotography by Scott BeselerStay connected by following Randy on Twitter
@SoapboxRandy
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