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University of Rhode Island to break ground on new, on-campus student housing Jan. 28

First new residence hall slated to open fall 2027

On Jan. 28, the University will break ground on its newest student housing development. Through an innovative new public-private partnership, URI and Gilbane Development Co. will add more than 1,100 beds to the University’s Kingston Campus. (CannonDesign)

KINGSTON, R.I.—Jan. 26, 2026— On Wednesday, Jan. 28, University of Rhode Island President Marc Parlange and Gilbane Development Company President and CEO James Patchett will join elected officials, members of URI’s Board of Trustees and URI faculty, staff and students to break ground on the University’s newest student housing development.

Through an innovative new public-private partnership, URI and Gilbane will build new residential spaces at URI’s Kingston Campus that will significantly increase the number of on-campus beds and modernize on-campus living. Construction includes two new undergraduate residence halls with apartment-style suites on Flagg Road, located on the northwest side of campus, and reconstruction of the Graduate Village Apartments complex for graduate students on Route 138.

The initiative will add more than 1,100 beds to URI’s Kingston Campus, addressing the growing demand for on-campus housing and enhancing the university experience for undergraduate and graduate students. By expanding housing capacity, this transformative initiative will strengthen URI’s standing as a top public university in New England, providing high-quality, accessible housing that supports academic success and enriches campus life.

The first residence hall is scheduled to open in August 2027.

WHO:  URI President Marc Parlange; Gilbane Development Company President and CEO James Patchett; URI Board of Trustees members Joseph Matthews and Cortney Nicolato; URI Vice President for Student Affairs Ellen Reynolds; state and local elected leaders; and URI officials, faculty, staff, and students

WHAT:  New Student Housing at URI Groundbreaking Event

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026,11 a.m.

WHERE: University of Rhode Island, Flagg Road Lot (near the intersection of Flagg and Tootell Roads) Kingston Campus

TO MAKE COVERAGE ARRANGEMENTS: Contact Dawn Bergantino, URI Communications and Marketing, at 401-874-4147, or dawn_bergantino@uri.edu. Follow “Special Event” signage from the Upper College Road entrance to the event. Parking is available in the Flagg Road Lot.