Construction will begin later this year on a new student residence at Providence University College in Otterburne. The ambitious project will be home to 130 students beginning in September 2019.

The building, currently known as the Living and Learning Centre, a temporary name, will promote a thriving student community in a bright, inviting, home-like atmosphere.

“We believe that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom,” reads a statement from the university, “and the Living and Learning Centre has been intentionally designed to be part of the holistic education experience we provide at Providence.”

The new facility will be built west of Eichhorst Hall and south of the Reimer Student Life Centre, which houses the campus cafeteria. The three-story Living and Learning Centre will be fully accessible and house both male and female students on its second and third floors. The residence levels will be divided into four “pods,” each of which will include their own lounges and study areas.

On the first floor, plans call for staff apartments and community spaces such as a kitchen, a lounge, prayer rooms, study rooms, a seminar hub, and a laundry facility. The generous use of glass will allow considerable natural light inside. The south facade of the structure will overlook the Rat River.

To emphasize the campus’s mission to foster a Christ-centred student community, the residence will be constructed in the shape of a cross.

“We are looking forward to breaking ground on the future site of the Living and Learning Centre in the coming months and are enthusiastic about serving our students through this facility,” the school’s statement continues. “The mission of Providence is to teach people to grow in knowledge and character for leadership and service. Our vision is that this mission could be lived out within the Living and Learning Centre as the spiritual, academic, and community life of students is integrated.”

The need for this residence arose in the wake a fire last June which destroyed Bergen Hall. Since that time, high-quality temporary housing has been made available to students to address the accommodation shortfall.