As part of a continuous effort to redefine the student housing experience at the University of Miami, Centennial Village, the next phase of the University's Housing Facilities Strategic Plan—which launched a decade ago—is nearing completion of its first phase and gearing up to welcome its first residents.
This state-of-the-art housing facility will open the first two residential colleges next fall, which have been named Coral Residential College and Ibis Residential College, specifically designed to cater to the needs of first-year students. These names were chosen through a proposal developed by Housing and Residential Life and presented to executive leadership to give the new buildings a name that would feel familiar and purposeful.
“We are looking forward to opening the next phase of our Housing Facilities Strategic Plan with the first two buildings of Centennial Village next fall and are excited to officially name them in a way that fits our vibrant campus culture and community,” said Patricia A. Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs and alumni engagement. “Centennial Village will not only support students’ academic experience but also provide a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.”
The Centennial Village project, which is the second phase of a multiyear plan to modernize campus housing, is poised to become a focal point of the Coral Gables Campus. Coral Residential College and Ibis Residential College—which are the first two buildings of the project—are set to accommodate approximately 880 students when they open next fall.
The new buildings will offer a combination of double and single rooms, with centrally located private bathrooms, shared resident lounges, and collaborative academic spaces.
And, by seamlessly transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces, Centennial Village takes full advantage of the natural surroundings of the campus and Lake Osceola, providing students with a South Florida lifestyle.
“In addition to the residential spaces on the upper floors, we are really continuing with the concept of engaging Lake Osceola, similar to how we did with Lakeside Village,” said Jessica Brumley, vice president for facilities operations and planning. “This includes more student amenities, as well as areas to be able to congregate and connect with the community outside.”
The first phase of this project involved the replacement of Hecht Residential College. The Hecht-Stanford Dining Hall also will be replaced by a new dining facility integrated into Centennial Village. This facility will not only provide a convenient dining option but also serve as a vibrant hub for social interaction and community building.
Centennial Village also will continue the successful First-Year Experience program, fostering a supportive environment for students making the transition to college life. Live-in faculty, staff, and student support personnel will be present to ensure students have access to the guidance and resources they need to thrive in their first year.
The focus on sustainability also is a standout feature of Centennial Village, according to Brumley. The project will employ durable and sustainable materials and aims to attain at least LEED Gold Certification, underscoring the University's commitment to environmental responsibility.
The next phase of Centennial Village will begin in May 2024 with the closing and demolition of the remaining Stanford Residential College. The final additions to Centennial Village, buildings three, four, and five—which will add another 1,145 beds, bringing to the total to 2,025 beds—are expected to open in August 2026.
