UNMC student leaders got an early look inside UNMC’s first residence hall as construction progresses toward an opening next school year.
And the reviews were strong from student leaders and UNMC campus leaders alike.
“I think a lot of people will be lining up to get these apartments,” said UNMC Student President Brock Calamari.
“It looks really good,” said Annant Bir Kaur, president of the UNMC Graduate Student Association, whose organization is credited with helping kickstart the discussions that led to the project. “We’ve done a fantastic job in accommodating so many units in this space.”
UNMC broke ground in fall 2024 on the residence hall on the campus’ east side that will offer housing for some 300 UNMC students. The construction has advanced to the point where the building is fully enclosed for work to continue through winter, and the project is on track for an August 2026 date for the first residents to move in.
Two UNMC leaders working closely on the project’s details led the tour – Phil Covington, EdD, associate vice chancellor for student success, and Kimberly Johnston, senior project manager with UNMC Facilities Management and Planning.
UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, and Jane Meza, PhD, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs, participated in the tour, as well, along with additional student representatives from the International Student Association.
Throughout the first floor, Dr. Covington highlighted the future layout in the currently unfinished space: common social spaces and gaming areas, a two-sided fireplace and sitting area, study rooms, offices for the Scott Scholars program and the leasing team, convenience store with grab-and-go food and other necessities, and a secure entrance to the living areas on the second through sixth floors.
On the sixth floor, though, the student leaders saw the apartment-style rooms more fully taking shape, with their great views around midtown Omaha and beyond from the residence hall’s high vantage point.
Calamari said he appreciated the large windows in the rooms – and their magnificent views. He pointed out one view that stretched to the University of Nebraska at Omaha and its clock tower.
Dr. Davies said he’s excited about the project, particularly for students coming to UNMC from outside Omaha or outside the country who will be able to find official UNMC housing on campus.
“It’s going to be great for students,” he said. “I think the amenities, high glass windows and natural light are superb. I want to thank our facilities team and the construction crews for their hard work in bringing this vision to reality. Hopefully, our students will find the building as exciting as we do.”
Bir Kaur said the project is a perfect way to offer student housing for UNMC – and she expects it definitely will appeal to students. She particularly noted the location is good for graduate student researchers who might work late and will like the appeal of a safe, on-campus location.
“We’re going to spread the word,” she told Dr. Davies. “This is a great place.”
As construction continues, UNMC is preparing leasing details, including rental rates and online booking. That information will be released as it is ready at a later date.
For now, attendees on the tour were excited by the progress.
Said Dr. Covington, “It’s amazing. From concept to where we have landed, it’s pretty incredible.”
