Ground broken for new residence hall at Marquette University, replacing McCormick Hall

MILWAUKEE -- Construction on Marquette University's newest residence hall officially got underway Wednesday, November 2nd.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site near 17th and Wells.

The $96 million towers will house 750 freshmen and sophomore students.

The facility will feature two 375-bed resident towers connected through the lower levels by dining and campus community space.

According to Lora Strigens, vice president for planning and strategy, the new residence halls, which are set to open in time for the 2018-19 academic year, will feature pod- and suite-like settings, as opposed to the traditional model of large buildings with small double rooms.

It should be ready by the 2018-2019 school year.

Once the new facilities are fully operational, the university will develop a plan to raze McCormick Hall, Strigens said. McCormick Hall, which currently houses 725 beds, is more than 50 years old.