St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, has a bold, four-phase master plan that calls for the creation of attractive, exciting housing options and outdoor spaces on an underutilized part of campus. These cutting-edge live-study-play spaces are designed to help attract top students—and to keep them from moving off campus later.
To put their plan into action, St. Mary's turned to Ryan Companies to lead their design-build efforts. Named The Village at St. Mary’s, the first phase includes a beautiful new residence hall intended to house primarily juniors and seniors when it is completed in 2017. The hall features 60 four-bedroom suites, each with two bathrooms, a living room and kitchenette. The common spaces are thoughtfully designed to provide countless tech-friendly study nooks and attractive collaboration areas, plus a full kitchen on every level.
As design proceeds, we’re setting the stage for long term benefits by including the power supply and infrastructure for additional buildings and growth, and using energy-efficient chilled water mechanical systems to reduce the cost of ownership. We’re also addressing the poor soil conditions to prevent future issues, and paving the way for the eventual addition of a courtyard, pool and other resort-like amenities. The result is a 21st-century campus home worthy of its 21st-century students.
