Liberty University announces plans to build new residence hall, parking garage

During Wednesday morning’s Convocation in the Vines Center, Liberty University Interim President Dr. Jerry Prevo brought exciting news to the student body regarding upcoming and current construction projects.

Students cheered as they viewed renderings on the videoboard of a new Commons IV residence hall, to be located between Commons III and the New Reber-Thomas Dining Hall (currently under construction), as well as plans for a new 5-story parking garage at the north end of campus.

The new 166,908-square-foot residence hall will stand 10 stories tall with 654 student beds (two students to each room, with a private bathroom). The building will connect to Commons III and also feature two resident director apartments. The project could begin as early as January and is expected to be completed by the Fall 2024 semester.

The new parking garage will be located beside the LaHaye Ice Center (currently the Pavilion Parking Lot) and will hold close to 1,100 vehicles. The university plans to break ground on the garage this spring, with an expected opening in Spring 2024.

“We want to provide the best facilities and all of the activities and things that will enhance your experience at Liberty University,” Prevo told the students.

The new projects were recently approved by Liberty’s Board of Trustees.

Prevo also gave updates on two major construction projects underway on campus — the 120,000-square-foot New Reber-Thomas Dining Hall and the Jerry Falwell Center.

The new dining hall is scheduled to open in August 2023 with the majority of the construction finishing this spring. The building will offer 40% more interior space than the current Food Court at Reber-Thomas, with a peak capacity of 2,700 seats, and will include more entrances than the current building, reducing the time students stand in line. In addition to an outdoor covered patio dining area, the new dining hall will also feature an expanded menu for students, including a gluten-free bake shop.

Crews are also hard at work at the site of the new Jerry Falwell Center: Inspiring Champions for Christ, located by the Hancock Welcome Center.

The center will share the story of Liberty’s founder, the late Dr. Jerry Falwell, and his life and impact on the world. Creative displays will showcase the university’s multi-faceted approach to its mission of Training Champions for Christ and will be intentional in the presentation of the Gospel, following Falwell’s example of loving people and pointing them to Christ. Rooms and areas within the center will provide space for learning opportunities, concerts, and special events.

Prevo said the center will use “the latest entertaining technology of the day” to inspire current students, as well as all guests, including prospective students and their families, alumni and friends of the university, to be a Champion of Christ. He said the university has consulted with firms that have worked with some of the country’s leading entertainment design experts.

Prevo pointed out that a special feature of the center for current students will be a rooftop park, where they can meet friends, play games, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

An opening is planned during the university’s 2024 Commencement.