West Chester University is tackling its long-standing student housing shortage with a major plan to add up to 900 on-campus beds through a combination of new construction and residence hall renovations. The initiative, backed by a $92 million bond issuance approved by the university’s Board of Trustees, marks a significant step toward improving student living options.

Phase One: Renovations and Immediate Bed Additions

The first phase of the project focuses on South Campus, where 11 residence halls will each receive an additional floor. This expansion alone is expected to create 220 new beds over the next five years, beginning in the fall semester.

To meet immediate housing needs during construction, temporary modular housing will be installed at Matlack Court on North Campus, ensuring minimal disruption to students while permanent improvements take shape.

A 10-Year Master Plan for Growth

In alignment with a 2021 zoning amendment, West Chester University submitted a 10-year master plan earlier this spring to local municipalities. The goal is to expand total on-campus housing capacity from 5,349 beds to 6,239 beds.

This plan was shaped with input from campus groups and local community stakeholders and will be presented at public forums this fall.

Enrollment and Housing Challenges

Despite a common perception of enrollment growth, the university reports that undergraduate enrollment has remained steady over the past decade. President Lorraine Bernotsky explained that housing limitations, rather than student demand, are the primary reason the university has capped enrollment.

Why This Matters for West Chester Real Estate

Expanding on-campus housing can impact the local housing market in multiple ways. For years, limited campus housing pushed students to rent off-campus, tightening the local rental market. With more beds available on campus, there could be shifts in rental demand, opening up opportunities for local property owners, investors, and first-time homebuyers in the West Chester area.

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal, July 29, 2025