In the News...Boca Raton private university plans new dormitory

Lynn University filed plans with Boca Raton to build a new dormitory on its campus.

According to the application, there’s an increased desire among the university’s student to live on campus. Lynn University attracts many students from other states. Boca Raton is a relatively expensive housing market, so on-campus housing would likely be more affordable for those students.

The new dorm would total 113,097 square feet with 342 beds. The three-story building would rise on the southwest corner of the campus, at 3601 N. Military Trail, just south of the baseball field.

There would be a 144-space parking lot constructed, although the application said the new dorm might actually reduce demand for parking because on-campus students are less likely to need a car than commuters.

The dorm would have mostly two- and four-bed suites. There would be one bathroom for every two beds. A few one-bedroom suites would be included for staff.

Each floor would have a common study area. There would be a lounge on the ground floor and an interior courtyard with a recreation lawn.

The architect is Design Collective. Attorney Lauren Odom represents Lynn University in the application.

“Lynn has experienced record enrollment over the past several years, and our Lynn 2025 strategic plan calls for enhanced residential facilities,” university spokeswoman Jamie D’Aria said. “We were in the early stages of planning for a new residence hall when the university closed due to Covid-19 restrictions in March. Since then, the project has been delayed, and expected completion is now in 2022.”

On-campus classes will resume at Lynn University on Aug. 24, she added. The university had 3,247 students during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Lynn University completed a 65,000-square-foot university center in 2019.