Dynamic Housing Complex Starts Build at Purdue’s Fort Wayne Campus
By Eric Althoff
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Designer Progressive AE and Gilbane Development Company have commenced work on a 600-bed student housing complex for Purdue University Fort Wayne’s (PFW) North Campus. The four-story, 213,000-square-foot, 176-unit complex will assist with the university’s long-term housing needs as the school continues to expand its population.
The housing complex’s interior will offer a convenience store, gaming room, study spaces, fitness center and various lounge spaces. Outdoor amenities will entail volleyball and basketball courts, fire pits, grilling areas and even a hammock farm. Sustainability elements will include energy-efficient appliances, stormwater treatment and water conservation.
The $100 million, public-private construction project, to be built near St. Joe Road, will feature living arrangements ranging from studio to four-bedroom. Half of the beds will be reserved for students contracting for housing with the university, while the rest will be open for other students via direct leasing options.
PFW has been at or near housing capacity for six years, with the 2023-24 academic year alone seeing a spike of more than 20 percent versus the year prior.
“The dynamics of the Purdue Fort Wayne campus have changed dramatically during the past few years,” Chancellor Ron Elsenbaumer said of the project. “The university is focused on bringing more people to the area to help fill the employee pipeline. Student housing is an essential component of that strategy.”
“We are excited to join Purdue University Fort Wayne for this transformative partnership that will help provide this much-needed new housing inventory,” Geoff Eisenacher, vice president of
Gilbane Development Company, said of his firm’s work on the campus. “Our team is dedicated to delivering a new residential community that not only meets the university’s goals but also creates a vibrant and modern residential experience for PFW and its students.”
Added Lynn Rogien, vice president and business leader with Gilbane: “Gilbane Building Company looks forward to a continued strong partnership with Purdue that will deliver new housing for Purdue University Fort Wayne’s thriving residential campus. Our ‘One Company’ approach creates high-quality student housing, complete with the desired amenities expected by today’s students. This project will incorporate high performance and sustainability as core focus,maximizing design and construction quality, waste reduction, realizing energy savings, and water conservation methods.”
Gilbane and Progressive AE’s project partners include design-builder AVB. Gilbane Development Company is the development and financing arm of Gilbane, Inc., while Gilbane Building Company is its construction services firm.
Construction is due to start this fall and is projected to be ready in time for the fall 2026 term.
“The correlation between the sustainability of increased enrollment and longer-term solutions to address the needs of current and prospective students wishing to live on campus continues to be an integral part of PFW’s strategic planning,” Elsenbaumer added.