News Summary
At Arizona State University’s Tempe campus, five major construction projects are revitalizing an underutilized area. The Herberger student housing, dining, and academic building, along with the Tempe District Utility Plant, promise to transform student life and campus functionality. These projects not only provide essential amenities but also support academic and social interactions among the diverse student population. As construction advances, careful planning ensures safety and efficiency amidst the bustling campus environment.
Tempe, Arizona – Ongoing Construction Projects Enhance ASU Campus
Five major construction projects are currently underway at the west side of Arizona State University’s Tempe campus, located between Mill and Myrtle avenues and 9th and 10th streets. These developments aim to revitalize an underutilized area of the campus, which serves a diverse student population exceeding 56,000. While two of the projects have been completed, three are still actively in construction, significantly altering the campus landscape.
Herberger Student Housing Project
The largest project among these developments is the seven-story Herberger student housing, dining, and academic building. This initiative is a collaboration between American Campus Communities (ACC) and ASU, with an estimated cost of approximately $140 million. Set to be completed later this month, the building is expected to open its doors to students in August 2023. The Herberger housing structure includes 224 units and 828 beds, designed in a unique backward “y” shape that will be connected by a sky bridge.
Features and Design Elements
The exterior design of the Herberger building showcases colorful EIFS metal panels and stone veneer that face the campus, creating an inviting appearance. Inside, it boasts several facilities, including a large commercial kitchen, study halls, office spaces, and a dining hall featuring striking 20-foot ceilings. Additionally, the structure is equipped with a special dance studio with a spring-loaded wood floor, classrooms, and a motion-capture theater, promoting an engaging environment for students.
Tempe District Utility Plant Development
Another significant project is the construction of the Tempe District Utility Plant (TDUP), which is being handled by Willmeng Construction at a cost of $63 million. This facility will support the campus’s cooling system, with the first phase scheduled for completion this summer. Once fully operational, the TDUP will achieve a maximum cooling capacity of 9,000 tons. It includes a thermal storage system that will aid in cooling campus buildings during peak energy demand times.
Utility Expansion Project
In addition to the Herberger and TDUP projects, Haydon Construction is working on utility expansion around the area as part of a $22 million initiative to enhance electrical support. The close proximity of various construction projects has made coordination between different teams essential to ensure efficiency and safety.
Challenges and Logistics
The ongoing developments face engineering and logistical challenges due to limited space and high pedestrian traffic, particularly around the student housing and TDUP projects. These factors require careful planning and collaboration among construction teams to maximize safety and effectiveness during the construction process.
Long-term Vision for ASU’s Campus
The Herberger project employs a ground lease arrangement with ASU, facilitating a collaborative approach in the funding and operation of the residences. These construction developments align with ASU’s long-term plan to transform Myrtle Avenue into a pedestrian mall, enhancing the campus experience for students and visitors.
Architectural Engagement
The distinct architectural designs of the new structures are deliberately intended to engage students and activate the walkway environment surrounding the campus buildings. This revitalization effort marks an ambitious step towards modernizing ASU’s Tempe campus while accommodating the growing needs of its sizable student body.
As construction progresses, these projects are expected to significantly enhance the campus environment, creating spaces that not only provide essential amenities but also support academic and social interactions among students at Arizona State University.
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Additional Resources
- ENR: Coordination is Pivotal to ASU West Tempe Projects
- State Press: Crow Forum Tempe
- ABC15: Proposed Student Housing Towers Near ASU
- AZ Central: ASU-Related Projects Nab $1.2 Billion
- Multi-Housing News: Cantor Fitzgerald and Silverstein JV
- Wikipedia: Arizona State University
- Google Search: ASU Tempe Campus Construction
- Google Scholar: ASU Construction Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arizona State University
- Google News: Tempe Arizona Construction 2025
