Palm Beach Atlantic University has begun construction on a new 25-story residence hall at 1200 S. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. The facility will provide housing for nearly 1,000 students and is the largest residence hall project in the university’s history.
The groundbreaking ceremony included remarks from university leadership, board members, student leaders, and building designers. Renderings of the future hall were presented, and the university choir performed during the event.
“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.”
The residence hall will feature 990 beds across 275 units with two-, three-, and four-bed options. Amenities include 11 student union spaces, 28,000 square feet of dining space with an outdoor plaza seating 150 people, and 13,000 square feet of fitness space that will include modern equipment, group studios, and a golf simulator. A parking garage connected to the hall will offer eight-and-a-half floors of parking for students and visitors.
The construction responds to increased enrollment numbers at the university in recent years. Foundational work began during the summer, with completion expected by fall 2027.
Gilbane is leading development, design, construction, and financing for the project. CUBE 3 serves as lead architect; JP Morgan is the underwriter; Provident Group acts as conduit borrower; and Joni Brinkman of Urban Design Studio provides urban planning support.
“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.”
Palm Beach Atlantic has raised $78 million so far in Phase One of its God-Sized Dreams Campaign to fund new facilities.
“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.
Founded in 1968 as a private Christian university in West Palm Beach with two campuses totaling over 90 acres combined, Palm Beach Atlantic offers more than 100 academic programs including undergraduate and graduate degrees.
