Texas Tech Unveils New Suite-Style Residence Hall

Texas Tech University Student Housing opens today (Aug. 16) its newest addition to the residence hall system, Boston Avenue Residence Hall (Boston Hall). The suite-style hall offers two- and four-bedroom arrangements for more than 500 students.

The 178,000 square-foot facility took approximately 15 months from groundbreaking through construction completion. Texas Tech University System Facilities Planning and Construction partnered with BOKA-Powell Architects and Austin Commercial Construction on the project. The facility is LEED certified, ensuring that the design, construction and maintenance of the building is environmentally responsible.

“What you see on site today is a beautifully proportioned four- and five-story Spanish Renaissance-style solution complete with west and east courtyards for student interaction and study,” said Michael S. Molina, vice chancellor for facilities planning & construction. “The facility perfectly frames the southeast edge of campus, providing a special entrance to the campus core.  I believe the students will thoroughly enjoy this new addition to our campus.”

The building offers two-bedroom and four-bedroom options and is co-ed by suite. The suites are fully furnished and include ceiling fans, a full-size refrigerator and microwave. There is one bathroom for every two residents.

According to Sean Duggan, managing director for student housing, Boston Hall features wireless internet access, limitless laundry on each floor, study space and lounge areas. There is a multipurpose space for residence life programming and activities, as well as a modern lobby area for students to enjoy. The Commons Food Court by United Supermarkets is adjacent to the new facility and will offer a variety of menu options to students living in Boston Hall.

“There will be a real sense of community,” Duggan said. “We have built in plenty of space for students to gather, socialize and study. There’s green space and areas where students can gather and be outside but be close to their home.”

Each year, Texas Tech accommodates approximately 21-23 percent of students on campus. Boston Hall will help maintain this figure and help the university keep up with increasing student enrollment. About half of the students living in Boston Hall for the 2012-2013 school year will be first-time freshman students.

According to Interim President Lawrence Shovanec, the opening of the new facility demonstrates Texas Tech’s dedication to educating students.

“Boston Hall is a testament to the rapid growth of the university and the desire of many young, talented students to pursue higher education at Texas Tech,” Schovanec said. “This beautiful facility will be a point of pride for the university. Not only does it represent a period of unprecedented growth at Texas Tech, it also reflects the commitment of the administration to our students.”