University of Bridgeport finishes new residence hall

The first new residence hall on the University of Bridgeport campus in several decades has been completed, per an announcement by architecture and design firm Antinozzi Associates. The 57,716-square-foot, four-story University Hall is designed to accommodate 231 students in 126 suites and traditional bedroom units.

Antinozzi, with offices in Bridgeport and Norwalk, has worked with the University since 2002. It got involved in the residence hall project in 2006 when it prepared a feasibility study for the school to convert the 10-story Schine Residence Hall, built in 1975, from a traditional dormitory plan into a contemporary residential facility. Ultimately the decision was made to build a new residence hall.

The $17 million project included the demolition of Schine Hall in April 2015 to make room for a 100-space parking lot on the 1.31-acre parcel. Construction by KBE Construction Co. of Farmington began in May 2015 and was completed July 2016 for the start of the 2016-17 academic year.