Members of the Belmont community gathered Friday morning to celebrate the topping out of “Tall Hall” — Belmont’s newest residence hall in the Hillside area of campus.
The $80 million complex — which doesn’t have an official name yet — will be Belmont’s largest residential hall, housing 611 upperclassmen in suite and apartment-style residences.
The top floor of the building will be one of the highest points in Nashville — with a view looking out over the downtown skyline.
In January, contractors broke ground on the new building. Friday morning, the final gable was lifted into place.
“It’s hard to believe that just 10 months ago we were standing here breaking ground on this,” said President Dr. Robert Fisher. “I just want to thank all the people who are working to make this possible.”
“This is going to be a great place to live.”
The new dorm will not only house students. It will also house a brand new fitness facility, which Fisher said will help prevent overcrowding in the Beaman’s FitRec center. A new green space containing a small pond, a stream and seating will also be opened between Tall Hall and surrounding residence halls.
About 60 percent of the building will open next fall, while the rest of the building will open in January 2019, Fisher said.
“This is our way of keeping our students close and keeping them as a part of the Belmont community. We find that so many of our students want to stay on campus as they get to be juniors and seniors, but we just don’t have the space,” said Fisher. “But we really don’t want them to go.”
After speeches from Fisher and Belmont’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees Marty Dickens, construction workers finished the ceremony by raising the top piece of the building into place.
Fisher said he’s excited for the building opening in August.
“I’ll see you all at the ribbon cutting,” said Fisher.