Large Crowd Witnesses Groundbreaking for New Residence Hall
Apartment Style Residence Hall to Replace McCorkle Hall, Opening Set for Fall 2025
Nearly 100 members of Buena Vista University’s faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, and student body joined alumni, friends, and area residents in a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the future construction of a new apartment style residence hall on the BVU campus.
The event helped begin the 2023 Commencement weekend on campus, playing out under overcast skies and a few light sprinkles dotting the corner of West 4th and Early streets.
“I’m very honored to set this work in motion,” said BVU President Brian Lenzmeier. “With this new residence hall, BVU will not only offer some of the best housing among Iowa private colleges, we will be competitive nationally.
“To say this residential space is essential would be an understatement. It is a result of the continuous strength and innovation that defines BVU as an institution,” he continued.
The hall will feature open lounges, private social gathering spaces, kitchenettes, and individual temperature controls. That last feature mentioned drew an enthusiastic—and audible—endorsement from among the approximately 75 students in attendance.
“Our students will have the opportunity to fine-tune their learning and living skills in an environment specifically designed to aid their transition into life after college,” President Lenzmeier added.
Storm Lake Mayor Mike Porsch noted that the residence hall will be the latest in educational additions to the community, a streak that began in 2019 with the completion of the renovation of Siebens Forum. The City of Storm Lake will take 30,000 to 40,000 RAGBRAI riders past this corner and through the heart of campus by design on July 23.
“This campus is one of our community’s signature elements,” Porsch said. “Tens of thousands of visitors will see that something is happening for our future; that we are progressing and growing. With what we’re all doing now, it’s only going to get better.”
BVU Board of Trustees Chair Michael Pierce said the use of apartment-style living concepts marks a natural transition. “This site on this corner will reflect Buena Vista University’s continued efforts to provide the students we’re so fortunate to serve with the quality-of-life campus experience they desire,” Pierce said.
The new space, which will be completed by Fall 2025, will be designed by SB&A Architects, and built by general contractor, DCI. Spaces will be created to exceed the needs students identify through BVU’s housing-accommodation process. Three different room styles will be utilized, all of which are extremely accessible and easily adjusted based upon individual student needs.
And while it is yet to be seen, President Lenzmeier estimated that Storm Lake’s namesake—the lake itself—will likely show proudly just one block to the south, visible from fourth-floor vistas.