On August 19, the Ohio University Board of Trustees passed a resolution to name the new residence hall the Roderick J. McDavis Residence Hall.
Roderick J. McDavis Hall
Reimagining the residential future of OHIO
'Brick by Brick'
'Brick by Brick'
Roderick J. McDavis Residence Hall
Featured News and Updates
Brick by Brick: Latest Updates and Milestones in the New Residence Hall Construction
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Housing Master Plan Approved
The Ohio University Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the construction of a new 591-bed residence hall behind the front four residence halls on South Green.
Overall Site Plan
Project Vision and Goals
The Ohio University Board of Trustees has approved a $110.5 million investment for a Master Housing Plan, including the new construction of 591 bed, five-story facility on a plinth in the South Green.
The updated plan will not only shape and guide the University’s ongoing improvement of, and investment in, the residential infrastructure across the Athens Campus through a combination of new construction and major and minor renovation projects — it will also further enhance OHIO students’ overall residential experience for many years to come.
- Address demand and capacity needs
- Create active indoor and outdoor spaces
- Connect students and visitors to the South Green community and campus
- Promote student and community well-being
- Create intentional collisions and foster a sense of community
- Create flexible and inclusive spaces
Building Construction Timeline
Tentative and subject to change
October 2022: Housing Master Plan approved by Board of Trustees
January 2023: Board of Trustees approved resolution for RFP to engage Architect and Design firm
March 2023: AECOM and Hanbury were selected to design new construction with Elford as CMR
April 2023: Visioning, goal setting and programming review begins
July 2023: Elford Construction selection as Construction Manager for project
April 5, 2024: Design, site preparation, construction and funding strategy approved by the Board of Trustees
April 22, 2024: Groundbreaking Ceremony and Student Celebration
May 2024: Site preparation begins with dirt infill
August 2024: Name approved by Board of Trustees- Roderick J. McDavis Residence Hall
August 2024: Increased South Green lighting added, new recycling and waste dumpsters open
December 2024: Erecting wall panels and student furniture budget determined
March 26/27, 2025: Student furniture showcase
August 2025: Mackinnon Hall new main entrance opens
May 2026: Construction substantially completed
July 2026: Dedication/Grand Opening Ceremony
August 2026: Students move In
Design Renderings
Click on image to enlarge and view caption.
Final product may vary.
Student Involvement, Every Step of the Way
From initial focus groups and survey feedback in Spring 2023, to student summer internship opportunities, collaboration with student leader groups, engagement and feedback sessions, and more, student involvement has been critical to the planning process.
Breaking Ground
On April 22, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved as we officially commenced phase two of the Housing Master Plan. It was a momentous occasion marked by a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony attended by OHIO leadership, esteemed campus partners, and our dedicated design and construction teams. Together, we symbolically broke ground, signifying the beginning of a new chapter in our campus's development.
Following this event, we continued the celebration with our students at Paw Print Park. Throughout this journey, our students have been integral, offering valuable insights and perspectives every step of the way. As we bid farewell to another academic year and embark on this exciting endeavor, we wanted to ensure their continued involvement and engagement.
This groundbreaking student event was not your typical affair with ceremonial shovels; instead, we embraced the spirit of togetherness with food, fun and activities that encapsulated our enthusiasm for what lies ahead. It was about fostering a sense of community and pride as we embark on the transformation of South Green and it had us all saying, "I dig South Green!”
