Law students, education students, graduate students, and students with families at the University of Windsor will soon have on-campus access to modern and affordable apartment-style suites.
The University is helping to address the critical housing shortage in Windsor-Essex with a plan to redevelop Residence Hall West. With accommodations tailored to graduate students, law andeducation (second entry) students, and students with families, the building is expected to feature approximately 200 beds in fully furnished studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites with full kitchens and competitive rents.
The innovative initiative will increase campus bed capacity by 19 per cent.
"Housing is foundational to student success. This project is a response to the critical housing shortage and a strategic investment in the future of the University and our region," said Gillian Heisz, vice-president, finance and operations.
"We are creating inclusive, year-round living spaces that reflect the realities of today's learnerswho may be facing limited housing options. This initiative reflects our commitment to social impact, environmental sustainability, and community integration, ensuring our infrastructure works harder and smarter for all who call UWindsor home."
Located on Huron Church Road between Wyandotte Street and University Avenue, the buildingwill be transformed through a unique public-private partnership model with Tilbury Properties, a real estate investment and development company with a focus on purpose-built student accommodation. Tilbury Properties was selected by the University as the preferred proponentfollowing a competitive public procurement process. The University and Tilbury Properties are entering the final stages of due diligence, following which public information sessions will be held for the campus community.
Originally built in the 1960s, the building was formerly called Macdonald Hall before taking on the temporary name of Residence Hall West in 2021. The building closed its doors in 2020. Onceredevelopment is complete, the building will be renamed "Gordon Commons" after the University's seventh President and Vice-Chancellor, Robert Gordon, who will retire from the University at the end of August.
"This renaming recognizes the lasting impact of Dr. Gordon's vision for, and unwavering commitment to, student housing during his tenure as President," said Tilbury Properties Partner, Michael Kaye. "This project is a testament to what's possible when we work together toreimagine university infrastructure not just as student housing, but as a catalyst for transformation across the campus and broader community."
The project is already turning heads and recently received a Quality and Productivity Award from CAUBO, a non-profit professional organization representing the chief administrative and financial officers at more than 100 universities and affiliated colleges in Canada.
This redevelopment project represents the latest initiative in the University's strategy to revolutionize on-campus housing options, while delivering on its commitment to increase housing inventory in the region.
Following the completion of due diligence steps, construction is tentatively expected to begin in 2026, with the occupancy planned for the 2027/28 academic year.
