South Quad

A great place to learn, live and work, DePauw University integrates a rigorous liberal arts curriculum and robust cocurriculum to develop leaders the world needs. Residential life on campus is a fundamental aspect in preparing students to succeed at DePauw and beyond. The time has come for substantial investments in new housing to support the community and culture DePauw aspires to create – a community and culture of leadership, success, diversity and inclusion.

A Quad of Considerable Distinction 

A new South Quad will frame the first-year experience within a residential community of considerable distinction, setting a stage for DePauw students as they grow to become leaders the world needs. Four new residence halls will open onto a shared outdoor common. The new South Quad will be a dynamic neighborhood providing all first-year students with an equitable living and learning community where they can thrive socially and academically and where they can develop an enduring sense of place, belonging and camaraderie that are hallmarks of the DePauw experience. 

Modern, Equitable, Excellent 

Ease of access for individuals of all abilities, safety and a balance of privacy and community are considerations in the design of each residence and the overall South Quad neighborhood. This includes public spaces with open floorplans, wide walkways, centrally located elevators and office space for Campus Living and Community Development staff. Each building will offer shared amenities that encourage students to study, learn, work and play together, including laundry facilities, technology-enabled meeting space and study lounges, kitchens and a sunny atrium to accommodate gatherings of all building residents. The courtyard will feature mature trees, grassy meadows, patios and bike racks. Tables and seating, shade canopies, a reflecting pool, fountain and amphitheater will encourage outdoor activities to foster resilience and well-being.

Energy Efficient, Sustainable and Educational 

Aesthetic harmony with the Georgian architecture of campus, energy efficiency and environmental responsibility will inform the construction and operation of the buildings and landscape. Designed and outfitted to maximize energy efficiency, the buildings will be tied to a more efficient physical plant that will reduce the university’s carbon footprint by nearly 25 percent and also will be prepared to run on renewable energy in the future. Extensive use of glass will allow natural light and views of campus in stairwells and common areas. Rain gardens will filter stormwater runoff from roofs and parking lots. Energy-use monitoring systems, educational programs and displays and a living laboratory landscape design will ensure the buildings remain efficient while informing students’ understanding of sustainability. 

Constructing Fiscal Responsibility 

Thorough study of the structural status of existing residence halls and energy infrastructure; a cost-benefit analysis comparing renovation versus new construction; and a survey of student needs and requests all clearly indicate the most prudent course of action is new construction beginning with a residence hall at the corner of Olive and Locust streets, quickly followed by the construction of New Hall 2 on Locust Street, then New Hall 3 and New Hall 4 on College Street. The two northernmost buildings, one at the corner of Locust and Olive and one at the corner of Olive and College, each would house 154 students. The southernmost halls each would house 180 students. The total cost for the new South Quad is estimated at $100 million.

Opportunities for Philanthropic Investments 

DePauw graduates are known for their leadership in the real world. The new South Quad will set the stage for shaping a new generation of DePauw leaders who will meet the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The new South Quad will come to fruition through the leadership of DePauw alumni and friends. A wide range of naming opportunities are available for both interior and exterior elements of this investment. For more information, contact Charitable Gifts Officer Scott Stetson at 765-658-4861 or scottstetson@depauw.edu.

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