University Drive Residence

Construction Progress Gallery

Project Summary

The University Drive Student Residence will be a welcoming and vibrant addition to Western University, located at the east entrance of campus. Designed to feel like a home away from home, the residence will create a strong sense of arrival for students, staff, and visitors, while strengthening the connection between campus and city.

Set across eight storeys, the building will offer a range of spaces that support student wellbeing – from study lounges and fitness areas to social spaces that encourage connection and community. The residence is being designed with sustainability in mind, targeting LEED Gold certification. As Western grows, this new residence will play a key role in supporting first-year students and enriching the campus gateway.

Design & Development

Currently in the In Construction phase

Process Highlights

• With a certified third-party arborist's report, trees removed during the project will be replaced per City policy.

Media

• University Drive residence opening delayed, Platt’s Lane residence in design (Gazette, Apr 2025)
• Western to build two new residence buildings (Western News, Aug 2023)
• Western to build two new residence buildings (Western News, Aug 2023)
• Western to build new residences on University Drive, Platt’s Lane (Gazette, Aug 2023)
• Western University to construct two new residence buildings (CTV, Aug 2023)

Strategic Objectives
& Design Features

Campus Development Strategy

• Increasing on-campus housing capacity for a growing student population (Provide Direction for University Growth and Change - CDS 1.2).
• Creating a welcoming gateway at the east entrance to campus (Campus Identity and Placemaking - CDS 1.2).
• Dedicated spaces for study, fitness, and social interaction (Continued Focus on the Student Experience - CDS 1.2).
• Strengthening connections between campus and city (Enhance Campus Connections - CDS 1.2).

Open Space Strategy

• Modern residence accommodations for first-year students (Student Experience and Success - OSS).
• Building a vibrant and inclusive residential community (Campus Life and Community Building - OSS).

Climate & Sustainablity Strategy (Action Plan)

• Supporting student wellbeing through community-focused living spaces (Health, Wellbeing, and Belonging - C&SS Action Plan).

Multiple Strategies

• Targeting LEED Gold certification (Sustainability & Climate Resilience - CDS 1.2; C&SS Action Plan).