Reimagining the future of student living
As part of a long-term vision to modernize campus housing and strengthen student life, Ohio University embarked on a transformative redevelopment of its South Green residential district. Building upon the university’s broader campus housing strategy, the multi-phase initiative was designed to enhance the living-learning environment, foster community connections, and provide flexible, sustainable residential facilities that support student success.
The university sought to replace aging residence hall stock with contemporary student housing while preserving the character of its historic campus. The project required creating welcoming residential communities that could accommodate evolving student needs, support in-hall learning and faculty engagement, and seamlessly connect South Green with the broader campus environment. The development also needed to advance the university’s sustainability objectives and reinforce the campus’s distinctive collegiate identity.
Phase II Rendering
Delivering a connected residential community
AECOM served as the architect and engineer of record for both phases of the student housing development, delivering integrated architecture, engineering, interiors, landscape architecture, cost estimating, and construction administration services.
Phase I included four new residence halls totaling 91 beds, along with an adjacent Learning Commons designed to support collaborative learning, faculty interaction and student engagement. The project created a state-of-the-art residential environment while introducing new green spaces, plazas and gathering areas that strengthen campus connectivity and enrich the student experience.
Completed Phase I new student housing
Phase II opened to students in August 2026, with AECOM guiding the next chapter of the university’s housing vision through the development of approximately 600 additional beds on South Green in a new residence hall of roughly 170,000 square feet. The design emphasizes active indoor and outdoor spaces that encourage interaction, connection and community building, while simultaneously supporting the university’s goals for inclusivity, wellness and sustainability.
Advancing a shared vision
A key element of the project’s success was our continued collaboration with our partners at Hanbury, which served as design architect throughout the South Green housing redevelopment effort. Drawing on the strong working relationships established during Phase I, the team carried valuable institutional knowledge into Phase II, providing continuity in design vision, project delivery and stakeholder engagement.
A lasting investment in campus life
The completed developments have transformed the South Green residential district into a modern, student-centered community. The new housing has enhanced the living-learning experience, created vibrant social and academic spaces and strengthened connections across campus. Phase I’s residence halls quickly became a valuable recruitment asset for the university, while Phase II continues that momentum by expanding housing capacity and providing welcoming spaces that foster belonging, collaboration and campus engagement.
The result is a cohesive residential environment that reflects Ohio University’s long-term vision for student success while preserving and enhancing the unique character of its campus.
Phase II Rendering