EllisDon Corporation and Kinetic Construction have been selected to provide construction management Services for the $135 million new Student Housing and Dining Facility at the University of Victoria (UVic), following a competitive bid process. The phased project will provide much needed on-campus housing for approximately 780 students.
“The new Student Housing and Dining Facility is the first significant capital project since the Campus Plan was renewed in 2016. This project is important, not only serving as a benchmark for future growth, but because it supports the commitments to environmental stewardship and sustainability that are so widely shared in our community and our culture,” said Daniel Murphy, vice president, pre-construction, EllisDon.
The university has selected two sites, “Phase 1 – Ring Road” and “Phase 2 – Cadboro Commons” to accommodate the two new building for student housing. The new buildings will provide:
• approximately 780 student housing beds,
• academic and social programming,
• dining hall and servery programming,
• extension of the “Grand Promenade” between the new buildings.
Pre-construction is already under way with substantial completion of Phase 1 expected to be reached in July 2022 followed by Phase 2 in July, 2024.
“This marks a new era for the UVic campus as they move forward with the largest project they have undertaken. It is gratifying as a local company to help build and strengthen such a hallmark university which also adds great value to the community at large,” said Tom Plumb, president & CEO of Kinetic Construction.
EllisDon and Kinetic (EDK) have been working together since 2006, partnering for the pursuit and construction of several large scale, complex projects in Victoria. EDK is currently completing the multi-phase expansion of the Fleet Maintenance Facility at CFB Esquimalt. They also worked together on the Hillside Shopping Centre Redevelopment.
“We look forward to working again as EDK on a project which represents our third joint venture together by building on the great success of the past two,” continued Plumb. “Our shared values and culture along with cutting edge processes and technology will lead to a truly value based delivery for the University.”
The new student housing on campus will respond to a broad range of student needs, including people with a wide range of physical abilities. A variety of room types and layouts are being considered including traditional dorm rooms and “pod” style living which includes single rooms with a shared kitchen and living areas.
In line with UVic’s Sustainability Action Plan, EDK is assisting the university with exploring a number of sustainable processes and systems including: Passive House Certification, LEED Certification, and BC Energy Step Code.
