Purdue Fort Wayne University Student Housing
Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW) and Gilbane forge public-private partnership to launch innovative student housing project
Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) has announced a significant public-private partnership with Gilbane Development Company to expand its housing on campus. This collaboration aims to fulfill a longstanding goal of the university by constructing a four-story, 213,000-square-foot apartment complex near Ginsberg Hall on PFW’s North Campus, offering 600 beds across 176 units, with nearly half reserved for university-contracted students. The $90-$100 million development is scheduled to begin in October and be ready for the fall 2026 semester, financed by a private nonprofit foundation.
The Campus Housing Project will address the university’s growing demand for student housing, which has been at full capacity for six consecutive fall semesters. The facility will feature indoor amenities such as a convenience store, fitness center, gaming room, quiet study spaces, lounges, a reception area, and a leasing office. Outdoor amenities will include a hammock farm, green spaces, sand volleyball and basketball courts, grilling areas, and fire pits, all aimed at promoting student wellness.
Sustainability is a key focus, with the project incorporating energy-efficient appliances, water conservation measures, native landscaping, stormwater treatment, and construction waste management. These initiatives align with Gilbane’s commitment to environmentally responsible building practices.
The complex will be designed to minimize its impact on the surrounding neighborhood, featuring a public drop-off area for shuttles and rideshares, strategic parking with over 450 spaces, and multiple pedestrian connections.
The project team includes Gilbane Development Company as the developer, Gilbane Building Company as the construction manager, AVB as the design-builder, and Progressive AE as the architect.
Project Overview
- Development of PFW’s new student apartment complex, to be delivered through a public-private partnership (P3)
- 13,000-SF building near Ginsberg Hall on PFW’s North Campus
- Design-build-operate-maintain (DBOM) model
- Team: Gilbane Development Company as developer, Gilbane Building Company as construction manager, AVB as design-builder, and Progressive AE as architect
“We are excited to join Purdue University Fort Wayne for this transformative partnership that will help provide this much-needed new housing inventory. Our team is dedicated to delivering a new residential community that not only meets the university’s goals, but also creates a vibrant and modern residential experience for PFW and its students.”
Geoff Eisenacher
Vice President
Gilbane Development Company
Quick Stats
- Location: Indiana
- Market: Public-Private Partnerships (P3)
- Size: 213,000 GSF
213,000
176
600
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