UNIVERSITY OF THE FRASER VALLEY
UFV student housing architect and builder selected

By Darren McDonald

A new student housing building on UFV's Abbotsford campus has taken another significant step forward with the selection of the project's architect and builder.

Following public requests for proposals, DIALOG + Group 2 has been selected as the project's architectural team, while Clark Builders and Turner were chosen as the builders.

The Province is providing $62.3 million toward the $73.7-million project. The new six-storey student housing structure will include 398 beds increasing on-campus student accommodations from 200 beds to 598. Completion is scheduled for the fall of 2025.

"The selection of these partners will advance our commitment to significantly increase student housing right here on our Abbotsford campus," says Jackie Hogan, UFV's Chief Financial Officer and VP of Administration.

"We're excited to be working as a team to deliver a beautiful new building which will serve our students for many years to come."

The new residence will be located at the north end of parking lot 10 near G Building (the Peter Jones Learning Centre, which houses the library).

DIALOG partner and architect Marion LaRue says the firm is helping create a welcoming and efficient student housing building utilizing leading-edge techniques and materials.

"This is an excellent opportunity to collaboratively create something special for UFV," she says.

"Working closely with our project partners, DIALOG's skilled and experienced team is very eager to contribute to this incredible new community space where future students will live and learn."

Clark Builders Director, Project Development Scott Benoit is already looking forward to getting boots on the ground.

"We're delighted to work with UFV on this project that will provide modern and efficient student housing that the entire UFV community can be proud of," Benoit says.

"Clark Builders and Turner embrace relational contracting approaches that utilize the skills of our team members to their utmost. We're excited to continue working with UFV to bring  sustainable and innovative student housing to UFV, together with great partners."

Groundbreaking for the new building is scheduled for fall, 2023.