Earlier this year, the University updated the community on initial planning for a new student residence to be located on a site on Main Street West between Forsyth and Dalewood.

The project helps McMaster reach its goal of providing more residence space for first-year students.

Since that time, plans have advanced and progress has been made. The University has now taken ownership of a group of student rental houses along Traymore that will form part of the project.

Since purchasing the first grouping of homes, McMaster has also acquired a second section of houses located at the end of Traymore towards Forsyth. The first phase of the project will be constructed at this area of the site.

With the newly acquired site, the design of the student residence has been adjusted and updated. The proposed first phase will include 950 beds. The second phase of an additional 455 beds would be constructed once the first phase is completed and there is sufficient further demand from students.

The project is now with the City of Hamilton for approval. This process will include more public and community consultation meetings and opportunities for feedback and suggestions. The building will be developed in partnership with Knightstone, a residence development company. The residence will be run by the University as part of its student housing system.