Oak Hall Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Major Milestone in NJIT Campus Growth

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) officially broke ground today on the reconstruction of Oak Hall, a 16-floor, 191,000-square-foot residence hall comprising 453 beds across 154 apartment-style units when it opens in summer 2027. The project will expand NJIT's housing capacity by 275 beds and create a modern residential experience designed to support student success.

"It's going to dramatically enhance the student experience for hundreds of students each year," said Marybeth Boger, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, who emceed the ceremony. "The reconstruction of NJIT's second-oldest residence hall, Oak, will amplify those effects and do much more."

NJIT Board of Trustees Chair Robert Cohen '83, '84, '87 reflected on the site's transformation and the importance of the investment supporting NJIT's growth. "To actually think that this building is being built there from where we were at one time is not only a remarkable achievement for education, remarkable achievement for Newark, but what it means to this university and the people who live here, it's just - it's actually extraordinary," he said.

Board of Trustees member and Building and Grounds Committee Chair Gary Dahms emphasized the collaborative effort and leadership of the NJIT team. "No project is successful without a captain at its helm. Big thank you to NJIT Senior Vice President for University Operations, Andrew Christ … His dedication to NJIT is truly impressive."

President Teik C. Lim positioned the new Oak Hall as an important component of NJIT's growing national profile. "We're attracting students from all corners of New Jersey, around the country and around the world. Having modern, comfortable and accommodating living spaces is not only a key factor in attracting those students to NJIT, but is also a strategic move to enhance student success and more effectively serve the students of the future."

Megan Konomi-Jovani, president of the National Residence Hall Honorary, spoke from the student perspective. "This groundbreaking ceremony marks not just the beginning of construction, but a renewed promise to our students - we will continue to evolve, to innovate and to provide the very best resources to help them achieve their dreams."

The ceremony also included presentation of a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, who commended NJIT for its "unwavering passion for supporting students," and acknowledgement of New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, who joined the event.

Oak Hall is being delivered through NJIT's first-ever historic design-build project, led by Terminal Construction Company in partnership with Niles Bolton Associates, Netta Architects and Langan Engineering. This method - where the architect, engineers and contractor work as a single team under one contract with NJIT - streamlines collaboration and allows design and construction phases to overlap for faster, more cost-effective delivery. Financing was secured through an NJIT bond issuance, ensuring affordability for students.

By 2030, NJIT expects to enroll approximately 15,000 students, with more than 3,000 living on campus. Oak Hall represents a critical step in meeting that demand while advancing NJIT's mission of student success, experiential learning and community impact.