HASTINGS, Neb. – Construction crews are on-site and beginning to work on a new 320-bed residence hall at Hastings College.

The construction site is located on the northeast side of campus just north of the N Ash Ave and E 9th St. intersection. 

Part of the construction plan is to demolish Weyer Hall, which was closed in 2022. Several houses along Pine Knoll Road that are owned by the college will also be torn down. 

The entire area will be converted into a new $40 million, 136,000 square foot residence hall, which is projected to be completed in 2026. 

Hastings College President Dr. Rich Lloyd says the new hall will not only benefit the college, but the entire Hastings community as well.

"Housing is really critical in Hastings right now," said Lloyd. "Our ability to welcome more students on-campus during their time at Hastings College will also help throughout the city, and hopefully open up some additional housing and apartment units."

The residence hall project, plus other smaller projects around campus, are being partially funded by the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation.

Over the summer, improvements and upgrades were made to part of the Bronco Village Apartments, plus Bronc, Altmann, and Taylor Hall.

College faculty and students can also expect to see upgrades made to the student union in the near future, plus additional renovations to current residence halls.

"We want to be recognized as the best small college community in the country," said Lloyd. "In many ways, we have the infrastructure to make that happen, so we're excited about the work ahead."

An official groundbreaking ceremony for the residence hall is scheduled in October.