The New England based college will begin construction of a brand new modern 260-bed residence hall to help alleviate overcrowding in the existing residence halls and provide additional beds and housing for new students.

The $12.5 million dollar dormitory is slated to open in fall 2011.

The modern four story college dorm will be constructed primarily from brick with accent pieces using different materials and will be placed on the hill between two similar, existing residence halls.

The housing even has a central tower that will serve as a staircase to connect all floors and will resemble a lighthouse and be the key focal point. A large courtyard will connect all three halls. The new hall will include spacious lobbies, lounges and kitchenettes on each floor, study nooks and a fitness room.

Each student room will house two students with a private bathroom.

“Endicott College’s enrollment has significantly increased each year for the past 15 years.

The growth rate of the college is a reflection of the quality of education that is provided at the college.

In 1995 the college enrolled 800 undergraduate students and today there are over 2,000 students enrolled on campus,” said Endicott College President Dr. Richard E. Wylie. “We are thrilled to be building this new residence hall, which will not only enhance student campus life, but also provide us with more space to accommodate new and existing students in our halls.”

$10 million in tax-exempt bonds will be issued through the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority to help with construction costs. “We are proud to be a part of helping Endicott College to expand its campus,” said Benson T. Caswell, HEFA Executive Director. “Campus living is such an important part of the college experience and the construction of this new residence hall will help to add to the richness of the student experience at Endicott College.”

“This residence hall will be a welcomed addition to the Endicott College as the school continues to grow,” said Sen. Frederick E. Berry. “With additional student housing, more students will be afforded the unique opportunity of experiencing life on campus. Thank you to HEFA and Endicott College for their vision and commitment to this project.”

“With additional on-campus housing, students can more fully participate in college life,” said Rep. Mary E. Grant. “At the same time, it opens up additional housing in the Beverly community.”

Windover Construction is the builder and Bergmeyer Associates is the architect.