The University of Connecticut is deepening its ties to the Capital City, with plans to grow its downtown campus footprint while connecting students to new research, employment, internship and even housing opportunities. The expansion includes UConn taking over 51,000 square feet of vacant space at the XL Center, where the school this fall will debut new research and clinical programs. University leaders are also strongly considering the addition of student dormitory space downtown. The effort would likely include a partnership with a private developer who would convert an empty or underutilized office building into student housing. UConn is finalizing a five-year lease for the XL Center space, which was previously occupied by the University of St. Joseph’s pharmacy school. UConn has set a tentative $1.2 million budget to retrofit the space, which will host a new agricultural and food science program, sports medicine center, mental health clinic and two badly needed lecture halls.
https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/set-for-hartford-growth-spurt-uconn-seeks-to-offer-downtown-student-housing