Palm Beach Atlantic University and Gilbane have officially broken ground on a new 25-story residence hall that will house nearly 1,000 students. University leadership, board members, and student representatives gathered Wednesday at 1200 South Dixie Highway to celebrate the milestone, marking a major addition to the university’s growing campus in West Palm Beach.
The project is being developed through a partnership with Gilbane, which is overseeing design, construction, and financing. CUBE 3 is the lead architect, with JPMorgan serving as underwriter and Provident Group as the conduit borrower. Urban planning support is being provided by Joni Brinkman of Urban Design Studio.
The development is the second major initiative under Palm Beach Atlantic’s God-Sized Dreams (GSD) Campaign and forms part of the university’s long-term strategic master plan aimed at enhancing student life and expanding its presence in the city’s downtown core.
“We are here to celebrate what will be the largest residence hall project in Palm Beach Atlantic’s history,” said PBA President Dr. Debra Schwinn. “This new facility isn’t just about adding beds or building taller structures, it is about creating a community for this generation of students. We know from research—and from decades of experience here at PBA—that students who live on campus are more likely to graduate on time and form lifelong friendships. Living on campus creates accountability, support and discipleship. It is where students grow into who God is calling them to be.”
The new residence hall will feature 990 student beds across 275 units, offering two-, three-, and four-bedroom configurations. Amenities will include 11 student union spaces for collaboration and community gathering, a 28,000-square-foot dining area with an outdoor plaza seating 150, and a 13,000-square-foot fitness center with modern equipment, group studios, and a golf simulator…