Palm Beach Atlantic University and Gilbane have officially broken ground on a new 25-story residence hall that will house nearly 1,000 students. University leadership, board members, and student representatives gathered Wednesday at 1200 South Dixie Highway to celebrate the milestone, marking a major addition to the university’s growing campus in West Palm Beach.
The project is being developed through a partnership with Gilbane, which is overseeing design, construction, and financing. CUBE 3 is the lead architect, with JPMorgan serving as underwriter and Provident Group as the conduit borrower. Urban planning support is being provided by Joni Brinkman of Urban Design Studio.
Credit: Palm Beach Atlantic University.
The development is the second major initiative under Palm Beach Atlantic’s God-Sized Dreams (GSD) Campaign and forms part of the university’s long-term strategic master plan aimed at enhancing student life and expanding its presence in the city’s downtown core.
“We are here to celebrate what will be the largest residence hall project in Palm Beach Atlantic’s history,” said PBA President Dr. Debra Schwinn. “This new facility isn’t just about adding beds or building taller structures, it is about creating a community for this generation of students. We know from research—and from decades of experience here at PBA—that students who live on campus are more likely to graduate on time and form lifelong friendships. Living on campus creates accountability, support and discipleship. It is where students grow into who God is calling them to be.”
Credit: Palm Beach Atlantic University.
The new residence hall will feature 990 student beds across 275 units, offering two-, three-, and four-bedroom configurations. Amenities will include 11 student union spaces for collaboration and community gathering, a 28,000-square-foot dining area with an outdoor plaza seating 150, and a 13,000-square-foot fitness center with modern equipment, group studios, and a golf simulator.
An adjoining parking garage will span eight and a half levels, providing parking for students and visitors. Construction began earlier this summer, with completion targeted for fall 2027.
Credit: Palm Beach Atlantic University.
“We’re proud to break ground on Palm Beach Atlantic University’s visionary new residence hall, with state-of-the-art apartments, dining, recreation and parking,” said James Patchett, President and CEO of Gilbane Development. “PBA’s forward-thinking approach will significantly enhance student life and also strengthen housing availability throughout West Palm Beach. At Gilbane, we help institutions like PBA with innovative solutions to solve their most pressing challenges and achieve their real estate goals.”
“Our team is honored to break ground on this transformative new residence hall that reflects the university’s commitment to enriching student life,” added Jason Sizemore, South Florida Business Leader for Gilbane Building. “Together with Gilbane Development, CUBE 3, and our trade partners, we’re proud to bring Palm Beach Atlantic University’s vision to life through Gilbane’s integrated design-build expertise.”
To date, Palm Beach Atlantic University has raised $78 million as part of Phase One of its God-Sized Dreams Campaign, which also includes funding for the upcoming Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall.
“We are grateful for the thousands of donors—community leaders, alumni, parents, faculty and staff—who have linked arms together and provided financial support for PBA to live out our mission, ‘to equip students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction and serve God boldly,’” said Laura Bishop, Executive Vice President of Advancement.
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Wow that’s hideous, and the worst part is how visible it will be when across a cemetery. I thought the mayor made them improve the design…
stfu
More construction. More traffic. More people. More noise. More crime. More garbage. More of everything. When will it stop? Never as long as the incumbent mayor is in office with his hand out. The infrastructure cannot handle it. Ask anyone who lives here. Welcome to the next downtown Miami.
With applications up 300% since 2022, it’s very exciting to see how PBA is growing!
WPB needs a 40+ story building.
Such an eyesore. If at least the architecture was nice… it’s just an hideous big box.