University of Tennessee has plans for a trio of 'Rocky' dorms

Rocky North could be the next residence hall on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus, replacing Reese Hall to be one of three new dormitories UT wants to build through an extended public-private partnership. The dorm would be a part of the $98.27 million third phase in UT's plans to repla

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What is the story about?

Rocky North could be the next residence hall on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus, replacing Reese Hall to be one of three new dormitories UT wants to build through an extended public-private partnership.

The dorm would be a part of the $98.27 million third phase in UT's plans to replace aging residence halls on campus following the opening of UT's three newest dorms. The project cost includes the demolition of Reese, North Carrick and South Carrick halls.

Rocky North would house approximately 586 students across eight stories, according to UT System Board of Trustees agenda documents. The board will vote on the project during its Oct. 15-16 fall meeting in Knoxville.

If approved, UT is aiming to open the dorm by fall 2028.

In the

fourth phase, Rocky West and Rocky South would house around 980 students between them and replace the Carrick halls. This phase is in the planning process and will be presented to the board next year.

UT System President Randy Boyd received approval in July from the State Building Commission to extend the public-private partnership between UT, Provident Resources Group and RISE Development to add these three dorm projects after fast-tracking construction of the recently opened Beacon, Poplar and Torchbearer residence halls, which collectively house nearly 3,000 students.

Provident would finance the project and own the building, renting UT's land under a 40-year lease agreement. UT would manage all "student-facing functions," including housing assignments, billing and residence life, according to the agenda.

UT would have the option to buy the building after a few years.

Demolition crews brought down Reese Hall on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus in September. The building at 1910 Caledonia Ave. will become the site for Rocky North, the first of three new dormitories UT is working on through a public-private partnership.

Students would apply for and select the dorm through UT's normal housing process, just as they would for any other campus residence hall. If construction is delayed, RISE would be responsible for arranging temporary housing approved by UT.

If both phases are approved, the trio of Rocky dorms would be able to house more than 1,500 students.

Keenan Thomas is the higher education reporter for Knox News. Email: keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: University of Tennessee has plans for a trio of 'Rocky' dorms