A new residence hall designed by ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, is now in its construction phase at Framingham State University. The 316-bed West Hall residence is a part of a phased campus renewal and expansion program addressing a 27% increase in the university's student enrollment during the past five years. West Hall is expected to open in August 2016. The Mass. State College Building Authority (MSCBA) is financing and developing the 97,000 s/f project. Consigli Construction Co. is the construction manager. ARC consulted Stegman Associates on building programming, planning and interior design. "The super collaborative effort of this team during design and preconstruction ensures that we will be delivering a high quality, high value residence hall to the students of Framingham State," said Janet Chrisos, deputy director of MSCBA. Several sustainable design initiatives and energy-efficient lighting, mechanical and HVAC systems are expected to earn the project a LEED Silver certification. West Hall is an all-suite residence life building, with 90 two-bedroom suites. "West Hall is designed to host an interactive and welcoming student life community, with shared lounges, kitchens and study spaces forming distinct neighborhoods throughout the building," said Robert Quigley, AIA, principal with ARC. Among its student amenities is a hotel-style lobby with social and study spaces, a game room, media lounge and a large fireplace.