Construction on Binghamton University’s new residential dorm Grace Hall is set to be finished by June 2027, in time for fall 2027 move-in.

Construction on the hall has made significant progress since it began in Sept. 2025. The grading work — the process of adjusting the slope and elevation of the ground to create an even base for the building — has been finished, with trees around the area having been cleared and the ground leveled.

Much of the foundation and exterior shell of the dormitory is also complete, giving structure to the L-shaped hall located between residential communities of College-in-the-Woods and Mountainview College. Construction on the building and utility work is still ongoing.

The seven-story building is projected to house 362 students and will include Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pathways and housing that can accommodate students with ADA needs.

“Students get to live and learn with one another and with talented faculty and staff,” said Brian Rose, vice president for student affairs. “And the ability to really immerse yourself is a feature that is becoming less common in terms of how people experience undergraduate education. This provides a platform for people to develop lifelong relationships. They’re not just going to benefit from the talent of their peers for four years — they’re going to benefit from the talent of their peers and the relationships they’ve built for a lifetime.”

The project is under the purview of Newman Architects in collaboration with KBE Building Corporation.

The University began construction on the new dorm to address predicted increases in housing demand on campus. BU saw a record-breaking 74,725 applications in fall 2025 compared to 61,700 in fall 2024. Once completed, the addition of Grace Hall will push the total number of beds at the University to over 8,000.

“The strongest demand for on-campus housing is on lower campus, in the heart of Binghamton University,” said Rose. “The new hall will expand our capacity to house students in the core of campus, where everything is convenient and centrally located. Investing in these spaces will drive some additional investment in nearby dining halls over time, and strengthen the on-campus student experience.”

Renovation efforts on the nearby Oneida Hall finished prior to the start of this semester, and the building welcomed new residents. Completion of both projects will allow the University to schedule future improvements to other residential halls, including Hinman College.

The new dorm will feature a suite-style design along with options for single, two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom suites.

It is also being constructed with a focus on accessibility and sustainability. The building will be all-electric and have a bicycle storage room to encourage students to lower their carbon footprint.

Fostering community and providing additional social space was a concern when designing the hall, said Casey Wall, the director of residential life and housing.

“Students have changed, and so the amenities we offer in the buildings have changed,” Wall said. “Binghamton does a great job of having social space. Meanwhile, students also do like to study in their residence halls more, rather than the traditional spaces like the library. They’re looking for spaces where they might be able to get together and work ‘together, but separately.’”