McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. has completed the construction of Spring Hall, a new 454-bed residence hall on the main campus of Saint Louis University (SLU). Designed and built to LEED Silver standards, the $43 million project expands the university’s on-campus housing capacity while advancing its commitment to sustainability. 

Opening for the fall 2016 semester, the 153,426-square-foot residence hall accommodates first- and second-year students. The building’s first floor single-story area features classrooms, a resident apartment, chapel, laundry facility and lounge. Each floor of the structure’s tower portion includes 16 double suites, 26 single suites and two single ADA suites. At the end of each wing of each floor is a quiet study room and student lounge with oversized tinted windows. The building incorporates advanced technology, including Internet connectivity from each room and WiFi access throughout the facility. 

“Spring Hall is part of SLU’s first residential build in almost 20 years, and I believe we have created something transformative for our campus,” says Melinda Pullen Carlson, director of housing and residence life at Saint Louis University. “The space supports the integration of curricular and co-curricular experiences, provides opportunities for our students to be in community with each other, and creates an environment that supports the mission of the institution.”

Sustainability guided the design and construction of the project. It is sited on previously developed land, minimizing ecological degradation and maximizing land and community value. The building is positioned to gain maximum sun exposure for daylight harvesting, and the use of reflective materials and abundant vegetation reduce the urban heat island effect.

At least 20 percent of building materials were recycled or regionally sourced. Low-VOC paints, sealants, adhesives and flooring systems contribute to a healthier interior environment. McCarthy provided design-build MEP services on the project, which used a high-efficiency heating and cooling system that is 25 percent more efficient than a standard system, and low-flow plumbing fixtures that will reduce water usage by up to 30 percent.

Exterior building materials blend with the context of the historic urban campus. The brick and precast concrete building envelope simulates a limestone facade. And the eight-story building offers spectacular views of the SLU campus and downtown St. Louis.

“McCarthy is proud of our involvement in constructing this outstanding on-campus living environment at one of St. Louis’ most important learning institutions,” says Ryan Freeman, vice president, oaperations at McCarthy. “The internal partnerships that have developed during this project have truly exemplified collaboration.” 

Spring Hall is designed by Hastings+Chivetta Architects. Stock & Associates provided civil engineering services.

Take a virtual tour of two suites in Spring Hall. 

More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com or by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google+.