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In 2012, South Dakota State University sought to create a new housing experience that was appealing to potential students and also functioned as the setting for robust intellectual and character growth of the modern college student.
SDSU surveyed more than 1,500 students and their collective voice asked for residential halls that were affordable, lively, state-of-the-art, and green. They proposed an environment that reflected the creativity of the institution and emboldened students to make lasting connections to people and ideas. The end result is Jackrabbit Grove, a four building, 800-bed residential community for SDSU underclassmen and Honors College students in Brookings, S.D. With furnished rooms, lounge areas, kitchens, and laundry facilities, Jackrabbit Grove has quickly become one of the premier housing options on the SDSU campus.
Precast panel construction was utilized to accommodate a very aggressive construction schedule, while ensuring long-term durability and ease of maintenance. The use of precast concrete also reduced site disturbance, as fewer trucks and less time were required for construction which minimized traffic disturbance on the SDSU campus.
Three separate precast designs teams were utilized concurrently to support two separate and concurrent erection crews which completed within 14 months-in time for students to move-in prior to the start of the 2013 fall semester. The project’s success is ultimately measured in students’ reactions, and Jackrabbit Grove is alive with activity just days into each semester of operation. The newest addition to SDSU campus has set a high standard for residential life projects moving forward.
