News & Insights
Photo courtesy of: Greg Land
Catawba College breaks ground on the most ambitious capital improvement initiative in its history.
Three institutions in the East have reached major milestones in ambitious new capital projects this spring. From cutting-edge science facilities to sustainable infrastructure and student housing, these projects reflect a growing commitment to student-centered, mission-aligned development in higher education.
Catawba College (Salisbury, N.C.), has broken ground on a $90 million campus overhaul, the largest capital portfolio in its history. With B&D serving as development advisor, the plan centers on a new geothermal heating and cooling system projected to cut emissions by 23,000 metric tons over 25 years, and also includes a 130-bed residence hall, renovation of two historic dorms, a renovated student hub known as The Smokestack, and expanded event and athletic facilities.
Dave Karslgodt, head of the Energy and Sustainability practice at Brailsford & Dunlavey, said “…we’ve had an ongoing conversation about what does advanced sustainability look like at a higher-education campus? It’s not just making a great building or garden. It’s really about not only doing the right thing – it’s about showing the world how to do the right thing.”
At Lincoln University (Lincoln University, Pa.), the first degree-granting Historically Black College and University in the U.S., construction has begun on a new 322-bed, apartment-style residence hall. At four stories and 94,000 square feet, it is one of the largest projects currently in development on campus. With B&D advising on the project, the new facility is a cornerstone in the university’s plan to enhance the student experience through modern, independent living options.
Meanwhile, the University of Delaware (Newark, Del.) cut the ribbon on Building X, a four-story interdisciplinary science building that brings together biology, neuroscience, psychology, and physics to accelerate research on the brain, behavior, and human disease. With B&D’s support, the university created a collaborative hub that includes more than 35 teaching and research labs, over 60 offices and graduate student workspaces, and flexible learning spaces designed to foster innovation across disciplines.
Serving as the program/project manager to all three institutions, B&D continues to help colleges and universities align capital investments with strategic priorities—delivering projects that not only improve campus life but also reinforce long-term institutional goals.
