Gilbane, Purdue Fort Wayne Celebrate Ribbon Cutting for Trace, a 600-bed Student Housing Complex

Gilbane, Purdue Fort Wayne Celebrate Ribbon Cutting for Trace, a 600-bed Student Housing Complex

• News
• August 18, 2026

Public-Private Partnership Expands On-Campus Housing to Support the University's Transition from a Commuter Campus to a Residential Community

Credit: Jim Whitecraft, PFW

Fort Wayne, IN (August 18,2026) -Gilbane and Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) celebrated the ribbon cutting of Trace, a student housing complex on PFW's North Campus made possible through a public-private partnership (P3). Trace represents a significant milestone as PFW continues its transition from a commuter campus to offering a more traditional residential community, with the development addressing the university's growing need for more student housing, which has been at full capacity for seven consecutive fall semesters.

Located at 5104 Meeks Drive near Ginsberg Hall, the four-story, 213,000-square-foot apartment complex encompasses 601 beds across 176 units spanning studio to four-bedroom accommodations. Nearly half of the beds are reserved for university-contracted students while the remaining will be available for other students - including those enrolled at other colleges and universities - who will lease with the complex directly.

"This ribbon-cutting represents more than just bringing new beds online. It's a direct response to the evolving needs of the next generation of Mastodons and provides them with a modern space that enhances their campus living experience," said Geoff Eisenacher, Executive Development Director, Gilbane Development. "Trace is a testament to what can be achieved when a university and private developer align on a shared goal, and we're proud to partner with Purdue to effectively and efficiently deliver new residences that further unlock its campus' potential."

"The Trace represents much more than a new residence hall. It is an investment in our students, our university and the future of Northeast Indiana," said Ron Elsenbaumer, chancellor of Purdue University Fort Wayne. "As a trusted hub for knowledge, innovation and the talent that fuels Northeast Indiana's workforce, Purdue Fort Wayne is committed to attracting and preparing the talent our communities and employers need. The Trace strengthens that mission by creating more opportunities for students to live, learn and build their futures here."

Joining Daniel Jellicourse, Development Director at Gilbane, and Elsenbaumer during Monday's ribbon cutting ceremony were Dana Berkes of the PFW Foundation, Purdue University President Mung Chiang, and Krissy Surface, PFW vice chancellor for enrollment management and the student experience.

"Students will experience the impact of Trace every day, from where they live and study to where they connect and build community,"said Josh Nichols, project executive, Gilbane Building. "Bringing that experience to life required close coordination across the entire project team, with safety and quality guiding the work. We're proud to have worked alongside Purdue Fort Wayne and our trade partners to create a welcoming residential community where students can thrive."

Crafted to elevate the student living experience through thoughtful design and modern conveniences, the community offers a robust amenity roster including a convenience store, fitness center, gaming room, quiet study space, entrance and floor lounges, reception area, leasing office, and multi-purpose spaces.

Residents also benefit from a collection of outdoor amenities such as a hammock farm, sand volleyball court, basketball court, grilling areas, fire pits, and plenty of green space. Trace's amenity program is designed to promote health and wellness for students to thrive in all aspects of campus life.

In addition to enhancing the student living experience, Trace emphasizes sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient appliances, lighting, water conservation measures, native landscaping, stormwater treatment, and construction waste management strategies.

The complex is tailored to have minimal impact on the neighborhood, offering a dedicated public drop-off area for campus shuttles and rideshares, as well as strategic parking placement with over 450 spaces to complement multiple pedestrian connections.

The project team includes Gilbane as developer and construction manager, AVB as design-builder, and Progressive AE as architect. The complex will be owned by Strategic Facility Partners and operated by Inwood Management.

For more information about this project, visit tracefortwayne.com.

About Gilbane

Gilbane is the trusted leader in end-to-end solutions for the built environment, with integrated expertise across real estate investment, development, full-service construction, and property and facilities management.

Family-owned since 1870, Gilbane is one of the oldest and largest privately held real estate development and construction companies in the world. With more than 45 offices, and 4,000+ employees worldwide, Gilbane pairs global experience with deep community connections to empower clients to move from vision to long-term performance with confidence. Guided by values that put people first and prioritize innovation, Gilbane builds trust, strengthens communities, and is driven by a purpose to boldly shape the world. Learn more at gilbaneco.com.

About Purdue University Fort Wayne

Purdue University Fort Wayne is the largest university in northeast Indiana and is part of the Purdue University system. Purdue Fort Wayne is uniquely positioned to serve the region as a crossroads of intellectual, social, economic, and cultural advancement. Rigorous academics are combined with a focus on student success across prestigious degree programs taught by more than 300 full-time faculty. More than 7,400 students of diverse ages, ethnicities, and nationalities pursue their education on the nearly 600-acre campus. A majority of the Mastodon Alumni Community's 55,000+ living members reside and work in Indiana, which contributes significantly to the state's economy, vitality, and intellectual strength. The university is a member of the Horizon League athletics conference and fields 14 NCAA Division I sports teams. For more information, visit pfw.edu.