The University of Texas at Austin announced on Mar. 16 that it will construct its first dedicated residence hall for law students, located at the northwest corner of East Dean Keeton and Medical Arts streets, directly across from the law school. The new facility will offer more than 300 beds and amenities such as a library-style reading room, a cafe, a gym, and two roof decks. Construction is scheduled to begin this month, with completion expected before August 2028.
The project aims to address rising housing costs in Austin and provide law students with closer access to campus resources. University officials say the new residence hall will foster community among students while offering affordable living options near the law school.
“Texas Law has long been the best place in the world to be a law student. The residence hall will ensure that remains the case long into the future, delivering extraordinary training and job outcomes for our students, with affordability that our peers cannot match,” said Bobby Chesney, dean of the UT School of Law. “As changes in the Austin rental market increased costs for some students while driving others to commute long distances, we saw this as a challenge that could also be an opportunity. The residence hall will deliver on that with a remarkable boost to community, value and proximity for our students.”
Chesney also said philanthropy related to the building is expected to significantly increase scholarship resources for Texas Law students.
This development follows recent updates about UT Austin’s campus master planning initiative aimed at guiding university growth and improving campus life through expanded housing options. Design architects Ryan and Stephanie Lemmo of Lemmo Architecture and Design are leading the project alongside Meeks + Partners as architect of record and Greystar as builder.
Founded in 1883, The University of Texas School of Law enrolls about 1,000 students each year and employs 120 faculty members. It currently ranks No. 14 by U.S. News & World Report.
