The North Andover, Massachusetts, Planning Board has approved Merrimack College's plans to build two residence halls that will house 540 students.
The Andover Townsman reports that one building is slated to occupy 77,600 square feet and accommodate 366 students. The second hall will have a footprint of 67,000 square feet along with room for 174 beds. Both buildings will have academic spaces along with student rooms.
The planning board granted the college a zoning variance that will allow the buildings to rise 48 feet, or four stories tall. Without the variance, the maximum height would be 35 feet.
The extra space will enable Merrimack to move some students out of apartments the school now rents at Royal Crest Estates, a private development across Route 114 from Merrimack's campus.
About 800 Merrimack students now live at Royal Crest.
The college says additional housing is needed to accommodate student enrollment that has more than doubled in the last 13 years.
School officials say they hope to break ground in summer 2024 and have the residence halls open by 2026.
