Officials broke ground on May 28, 2026, on a new $102 million complex named Miner Crossing that will provide a much-needed expansion of the University of Texas at El Paso's on-campus housing.
The building was designed by Ayers Saint Gross and is being built by Sundt Construction.
"This will be a traditional freshman dorm with an integrated dining hall at a reasonable price for our students and their families," UTEP President Heather Wilson said. "With more and more students applying to UTEP from beyond West Texas, we need to expand our on-campus housing."
The 155,500-sq.-ft. facility will add approximately 507 new beds in single and double occupancy rooms. The five-story residence hall will be located on the north side of the track at Kidd Field.
The complex includes a new 22,000-sq.-ft. dining room with seating for 400 guests, serving more than 1,400 meals per day. It will be equipped with a full kitchen, bakery, allergen-free zone, pizza oven and office spaces for staff. Students will have the option to choose from 11 food stations, including a salad bar, deli, grill, pizza station and ice cream bar.
Study rooms and open study nooks will be located throughout the building, as well as a first-floor amenity space with a gaming area, living room, a multi-purpose space and a mailroom. A 1,350-sq.-ft. fitness center will include a mixture of cardio equipment and free weights.
The exterior of the building will reflect UTEP's distinctive Bhutanese architectural style, complemented by native Chihuahuan desert plant landscaping designed by Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. The firm is also behind the decorative courtyard and breezeway that will sit on the south side of the building, connecting the housing facility to Kidd Field.
"This new housing option will allow students to be fully integrated with campus life," said Catie McCorry-Andalis, vice president of student affairs. "Students can easily access the track for exercise, the Union for additional dining options and classes."
Construction will take about two years, and the dorm will be complete and available for students in the fall 2028 semester. ♣
