University of Arizona breaks ground on The Catalina, adding on-campus housing for more than 1,300 students

TUCSON, AZ — July 14, 2026 —The University of Arizona, in partnership with Mortenson, Mortenson Development, and Collegiate Housing Foundation, has broken ground on The Catalina, a new on-campus dorm that will create a vibrant living-learning community for students beginning in fall 2028.

The new, nine-story dorm will house more than 1,300 students and a dining hall and will align with student preferences for more suite-style units and access to programming and support services. The dorm will support the U of A's expectation that first-year students live on campus beginning in fall 2026, which will apply to first-time, full-time students, with exceptions for students living within 30 miles of campus or facing specific circumstances or hardships.

“Success for every student is our North Star, and the connection between living on campus and graduating on time is undeniable,” said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. “Our students who live on campus for at least one year have a 50% higher four-year graduation rate than those who never do. The Catalina is designed around that fact and what our Wildcats have told us they need.” The groundbreaking milestone comes just seven months after the project moved from initial discussion to construction, reflecting a decisive, coordinated effort to address growing student housing needs while advancing the university’s long-term vision for student success, belonging and academic achievement.

The Catalina is being delivered through a customized development strategy that brings together Mortenson’s development, design, construction and financing expertise in support of the university’s strategic imperatives and student experience objectives. Mortenson facilitated a tax-exempt financing structure in partnership with Collegiate Housing Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable foundation, and RBC Capital Markets. This approach allows the university to expand its housing capacity while preserving financial flexibility and supporting a clear path to future ownership. 

“Collegiate Housing Foundation is pleased to be able to work with Mortenson and RBC to assist the University of Arizona by financing, owning and operating a new on campus residence hall thereby making it the 73rd addition to CHF’s portfolio since it began operations in 1996,” said Will Givhan, President of Collegiate Housing Foundation. 

To help accelerate the schedule and support the university’s goal of delivering the facility as quickly as possible, Mortenson Development purchased the project site three months early, allowing demolition and site preparation activities to begin ahead of construction.

“This project demonstrates what is possible when a university and its development partners align around a shared goal and act with urgency,” said George Forristall, Vice President of Real Estate Development, Mortenson. “We are proud to work alongside the University of Arizona and Collegiate Housing Foundation to deliver a customized solution that advances the university’s housing strategy while creating a high-quality residential environment for students.”

When complete, The Catalina will provide modern residential space designed to foster connection, belonging and academic achievement. Project completion is scheduled for fall 2028. 

About University of Arizona

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.  

About Collegiate Housing Foundation

Collegiate Housing Foundation is a non-profit tax exempt organization established in 1996 for the sole purpose of assisting colleges and universities in acquiring or developing student housing facilities. Founded in and still based in Fairhope, Alabama, the Foundation pioneered the financing of student housing facilities by a third party non-profit thereby giving it extensive experience and a national profile in the student housing space.

About Mortenson and Mortenson Development

Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top 10 developer, builder, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Through a growing portfolio of integrated services, including design, construction, development, and real estate investment, Mortenson helps customers turn strategies into high-performing assets. Mortenson Development (MDI) is the real estate development arm of Mortenson. Drawing on a national build-to-suit platform and deep expertise in complex projects, MDI partners with public and private stakeholders to deliver thoughtful, long-term real estate solutions that align with each partner’s goals & objectives. For more information, visit www.mortenson.com.

Media Contacts: 
Kyle Mittan 
University Communications, University of Arizona 
mittank@arizona.edu

Linnea Schuldt 
Public Relations Manager, Mortenson 
Linnea.Schuldt@mortenson.com