When Virginia State University needed student housing on an accelerated schedule, S.B. Ballard delivered Magnolia Hall, a 110,000-square-foot residence hall featuring 125 units and 423 beds. Through a collaborative Design-Build approach, the facility was designed, permitted, and constructed in just 13 months from contract award to occupancy.
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Site Challenges & Construction Solutions
Challenge
Active Campus Environment – Magnolia Hall was constructed adjacent to occupied student housing trailers, requiring safe pedestrian access and minimal disruption to student life throughout construction.
Our Solution
Comprehensive Logistics Planning – Developed a detailed site logistics plan that maintained campus operations,
protected students, and ensured safe access throughout all phases of construction.
Challenge
Limited Site Space – The constrained footprint left little room for jobsite trailers, material storage, deliveries, crane operations, and construction access, requiring careful coordination of all site activities.
Our Solution
Strategic Site Coordination – Implemented just-in-time deliveries, phased material staging, and coordinated crane and vehicle movements to maximize productivity within the constrained site.
Challenge
Complex Underground Infrastructure – Installation of a large underground stormwater retention vault had to be
coordinated alongside utilities, foundations, and building construction within the same limited work area.
Our Solution
Advanced Sequencing & Early Coordination – Integrated stormwater, utility, foundation, and building activities into a single execution plan, allowing multiple scopes to progress simultaneously while maintaining the aggressive schedule.
Accelerating Delivery Through Collaboration & Innovation
Early Collaboration & Design-Build Delivery
Magnolia Hall’s accelerated schedule was driven by early collaboration between S.B. Ballard, Virginia State University, DEB, Niles Bolton, and key stakeholders. Through the Design-Build delivery method, permitting, sitework, utility coordination, procurement, and structural planning advanced concurrently using phased design and early-release packages. This streamlined approach accelerated decision-making, minimized delays, and enabled delivery of the 125-unit, 423-bed residence hall in just 13 months.
Magnolia Hall showcases the advantages of integrating builders, designers, owners, and regulatory stakeholders into a single team from project inception. By aligning goals early and maintaining continuous communication throughout design and construction, the team was able to proactively resolve challenges, maintain momentum, and successfully deliver a high-quality residence hall on an accelerated schedule.
Accelerated Construction Through Precast Innovation
To meet Virginia State University’s aggressive occupancy deadline, S.B. Ballard utilized precast construction to accelerate the schedule while maintaining quality and durability. A total of 534 precast components, including brick-faced exterior panels, were fabricated off-site while foundations, utilities, and sitework progressed simultaneously. Through detailed planning, coordinated deliveries, and strategic crane operations, the team streamlined installation, reduced field labor, and maintained schedule momentum.
What Our Clients Say About Magnolia Hall
Magnolia Hall stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and disciplined project execution.
