Quality Testing and Engineering, Inc., New Residence Hall No. 2, Saint Louis University

By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE
    In September 2015, the Saint Louis University board of trustees approved construction for a second residence hall on SLU’s Midtown St. Louis campus near the northwest corner of Grand Boulevard and Laclede Avenue. The construction is estimated at $71 million.
    Site preparation, which included relocation of existing utilities, began last fall, and completion of “NRH-2” is scheduled for summer 2017.
    The firm of Hastings+Chivetta Architects provided the new facility’s design and Alberici is serving as the construction manager. Quality Testing and Engineering, Inc. of O’Fallon, Ill.,, began geotechnical services near the end of 2014, and is currently providing construction materials testing services.
    QTE’s Mike Widman said that his firm is now providing observation of piers, testing of concrete, engineered fill, structural steel, masonry, and asphalt paving, as the development progresses.  Observing the excavation and installation of the drilled piers and other major structural components, during construction helps to ensure proper stabilization at foundational levels.
    “Working with Alberici, Alper Audi, and the highly capable, qualified team of professionals on such a large project as this, has been enjoyable,” said Widman. “This is a statement piece for Saint Louis University and we are proud to be a part of it.”
    Once completed, NRH-2 (also known as Grand Hall) will be a seven-story, 237,000-square-foot facility featuring single and double suite-style rooms. Designed with first- and second-year university students in mind, the facility will also house a 740-seat campus dining hall, classrooms, study lounges, and an outdoor plaza along with many other features.
    The new building will also connect to the university’s largest residential facility, the adjacent Griesedieck Complex.