University of Rhode Island Student Housing

URI partners with Gilbane to add 1,100+ on-campus beds in innovative housing expansion

The University of Rhode Island (URI) is moving forward with a major expansion of student housing on its Kingston Campus through an innovative public-private partnership with Gilbane. The initiative marks the first phase of URI’s comprehensive plan to modernize on-campus housing and enhance the student experience.

Through the partnership, Gilbane Development will lease university-owned land to plan, finance, design, build, and operate new residence halls, allowing URI to add over 1,100 beds and approximately 400,000 square feet of housing while maintaining fiscal responsibility and preserving academic resources.

The project includes two new apartment-style residence halls on Flagg Road and the redevelopment of the Graduate Village Apartments on Route 138. The Flagg Road buildings will add 914 undergraduate beds across modern apartment-style suites with study lounges, wellness rooms, a café, and outdoor courtyards. The north building is expected to open in August 2027, followed by the south building near Brookside Residence Hall in August 2028.

The Graduate Village redevelopment will deliver a minimum of 200 beds for graduate students in studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The existing complex will close in May 2026 and reopen for the Fall 2028 semester, featuring new community amenities including a garden, fitness space, and enhanced common areas that foster well-being and connection.

This housing expansion supports URI’s strategic plan, “Focus UR I,” and advances the University’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible on-campus housing that supports academic success and strengthens campus life.

Project Overview

Development of two new residence halls with apartment-style suites, located on the northwest side of campus, and reconstruction of the Graduate Village Apartments complex for graduate students
Design, build, finance, and operate model
Team: Gilbane Development as the developer, Gilbane Building as the design-builder, and CannonDesign as the architect

“This public-private partnership offers many benefits to the University and our students. The partnership enables us to address the growing demand for on-campus housing expressed by URI students. It also enables us to develop new housing on an accelerated timeline while ensuring fiscal responsibility.”
Abby Benson
Vice President for Administration and Finance