Expanding on-campus housing remains a priority for higher education institutions seeking to improve student retention while accommodating enrollment needs. The University of Arizona has launched construction on a new residence hall that will significantly increase campus housing capacity through a partnership with Mortenson and Collegiate Housing Foundation.
Construction is underway on The Catalina, a nine-story student housing development at the University of Arizona in Tucson. The project will provide accommodations for more than 1,300 students and include a dining hall, suite-style residential units, and spaces intended to support student engagement and campus programming.
The university expects the facility to open for students in fall 2028 as it expands its on-campus housing inventory.
The project is being delivered through a partnership involving Mortenson, Mortenson Development, and Collegiate Housing Foundation. The delivery model combines development, design, construction, and financing services under a coordinated approach.
To help accelerate the schedule, Mortenson Development acquired the project site ahead of construction, allowing demolition and early site preparation to begin before the main construction phase.
Project financing includes a tax-exempt structure developed in partnership with Collegiate Housing Foundation and RBC Capital Markets, enabling the university to increase housing capacity while preserving financial flexibility.
Universities across the United States continue to invest in modern student housing as enrollment growth and campus living strategies drive demand for new residential facilities. For construction owners, developers, and contractors, The Catalina demonstrates how integrated project delivery and innovative financing can help accelerate higher education construction while addressing long-term campus infrastructure needs.
Source: Mortenson.
