The physical footprint of the Ole Avenue Project – the newest campus development – is beginning to take shape near the intersection of St. Olaf Avenue and Lincoln Street.

Heavy construction equipment arrived on site last week to lay the foundation for the project’s new 300-bed residential hall portion. Crews replaced some of the soil with compacted sand to provide a more stable foundation.

Site grading is underway for the first two buildings, with remaining grading expected to begin soon. In a matter of weeks, campus visitors will see a new tower crane rise on the west side of the property where a future courtyard will provide ample outdoor study and relaxation space. After a brief closure to facilitate water main and sewer pipe work, St. Olaf Avenue has reopened at the intersection of St. Olaf Avenue, Norway Valley Drive and Founders Drive, at the bottom of the hill near Boe House.

Student participation in surveys, focus groups and community meetings have helped shape and inform the project’s development over the past two years. Construction is expected to be complete in Fall 2022.