NJCU to Break Ground for Student Residence Hall

On May 11, 2015

New Jersey City University (NJCU) will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, May 14 for a 425-bed student residence hall which will be the first project in a $400-million construction plan for facilities and buildings on NJCU’s West Campus.

The building, which is scheduled to open in September 2016, will more than double the current housing available to students, providing unprecedented opportunities to enrich campus life and to enable more students to experience life in the heart of New Jersey’s most diverse city.

The residence hall is the first university building to be constructed as a “P3” project – a Public-Private Partnership – which brings together a private corporation, Ambling University Development Group with NJCU, and the NJCU Foundation.

Ambling University Development Group (AUDG) is providing NJCU with highly customized solutions for its student housing and auxiliary needs. Ambling will act as a single source partner to develop, design, finance, construct and operate the fully self-supporting asset for NJCU.

The four-story residence hall will be situated on NJCU property adjacent to 209 West Side Avenue and will feature all suite-style units, each with living area, kitchenette and private bathrooms.  Programmatic highlights of the new community include a central point of access with adjacent reception area, individual living-learning communities and extensive common areas to encourage resident engagement and activity. Amenities include a resident lounge, community kitchen, game room, SMART laundry and vending centers, multi-purpose classroom, music practice rooms, outdoor courtyard with open green space, cardio fitness center and a comprehensive Wifi system.

Among the dignitaries who will participate in the ground breaking ceremony are:

• Dr. Sue Henderson, NJCU President
• Rafael Perez, Esq., NJCU Chairman of the Board of Trustees
• Luke Visconti, Chairman of the NJCU Foundation, Inc.
• Hon. Steven Fulop, Mayor of the City of Jersey City
• Greg Blais, President of Ambling University Development Group

In announcing plans for the new building, NJCU President Sue Henderson said, “This student residence hall is a core component of both the development of NJCU’s West Campus and the revitalization of Jersey City’s west side.  This is the first step in the development of NJCU’s West Campus and a defining moment for Jersey City and Hudson County.”

Dr. Henderson continued, “This project will bring enormous benefits to student life at the University and build a true sense of community and encourage learning opportunities that are valuable beyond measure for our students, faculty, and corporate partners.”

“AUDG and our partner firms are extremely excited to be NJCU’s partner for this inaugural project within the 21-acre West Campus redevelopment,” said Greg Blais, AUDG President. “This world-class facility is a direct result of intense collaboration and focus by the entire project team over the last several months and will absolutely serve as a source of pride for years to come.”

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