July 22, 2025

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Breaks Ground on New Dormitory

News Summary

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has officially broken ground on the Oak Street Residence Hall, which aims to alleviate the student housing shortage. Scheduled to open in fall 2027, the residence hall will house 794 students and include various amenities. This construction aligns with UTC’s goal to increase student enrollment to 14,800 by 2030, responding to the current demand for student housing, as over 5,000 applications are received annually.

Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) officially broke ground on a new residence hall on Monday, as part of its efforts to alleviate the ongoing student housing shortage. The new facility, named Oak Street Residence Hall, is anticipated to open its doors to students by fall 2027 and will accommodate 794 students.

This initiative aligns with UTC’s broader objective of increasing enrollment as part of the University of Tennessee System’s goal to enroll 14,800 students by 2030. Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce has expressed an ambitious personal target of achieving enrollment of 15,000 students. Last fall, UTC saw its highest enrollment to date, with 11,834 students registered.

Currently, UTC has approximately 3,700 beds available for students but receives over 5,000 housing applications annually. This discrepancy has led to significant challenges, as evidenced by the fact that more than 1,200 students were on the waiting list for campus housing in the past fall semester.

The new Oak Street Residence Hall will be constructed on a site that was previously occupied by Frist Hall, located between McCallie Avenue and Oak Street. The residence hall will include double-occupancy rooms, common areas designated for studying and student gatherings, and a pedestrian corridor that will connect the campus’s two sides, enhancing overall accessibility.

The estimated cost for the construction of the residence hall is $114 million, and the architectural design will be managed by the Chattanooga-based firm Tinker Ma. The university’s leadership underscores the importance of creating an inviting and functional space for its student population to improve their overall campus experience.

In addition to addressing the housing shortage, the new dormitory is expected to foster a sense of community among students, both new and returning. The vice president of the student government association has highlighted the excitement surrounding the development, particularly for incoming freshmen who will benefit from living in the new dormitory.

The construction of the Oak Street Residence Hall reflects UTC’s commitment to not only maintaining but enhancing the quality of life for its students. As enrollment numbers continue to rise, strategic initiatives like this one will be crucial in accommodating a growing student body. By investing in new housing options, UTC aims to provide its students with comfortable living environments that contribute positively to their academic and social experiences.

Moving forward, the university will continue to seek solutions that ensure that every student has access to quality housing. By addressing the current housing shortages and further expanding its facilities, UTC is positioning itself to uphold its ambitious enrollment goals and continue attracting a diverse student population in the years to come.

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UTC Breaks Ground on New Oak Street Residence Hall

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Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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