The Ridges

The Ridges, an 865-bed project at the University of Mississippi, demanded teamwork of the highest order to meet the compressed schedule and tight budget. The design and construction team was able to solve complex problems that included construction techniques adapted specifically for this project and an unyielding demand for institutional buildings that had to be safe, durable, sustainable, and educationally stimulating.

The project’s accelerated design and construction approach saved a minimum of eight months from a traditional delivery approach, adding an entire year of student housing services for the University.

This 243,840 sq ft housing complex includes 3 four and five story buildings with a total capacity of 865 beds. The buildings were designed to provide students with a living and learning community; each organized to allow students to live in smaller communities of 26-34 people. In addition to laundry facilities, each floor is equipped with an amenity area that includes common space and a meeting and study area. The exteriors of the housing complex were designed to create the feel of a cohesive village, to further enhance the sense of community.

The lower level of the west building provides additional services including Papa Johns Pizza, a POD mini-mart, several large student-used conference rooms, and the University Student Housing management group offices.

The site incorporates a central courtyard that connects the three buildings and provides space for bike parking and a stage for special events. An outdoor, paved patio leads to the POD and Papa Johns is adjacent to the west building.

Joint-Venture with Eley Guild Hardy and Harrell Contracting