Limestone College has cleared land around the quarry in preparation for the construction of a multimillion dollar residential hall. College officials will seek final approval from the board of trustees in December so construction can begin on a new residential hall for 96 students. The new dorms will be located behind Stephenson Dining Hall. Land is being cleared to build a multi-million dollar residential hall near the Limestone College quarry.

Limestone College officials hope to receive final approval for construction of the new residential hall when the board of trustees meets in mid- December. President Dr. Walt Griffin estimates the new residential hall will cost between $2 million and $3 million.

“The land is being cleared on the construction site next to the quarry. They are cutting down trees, but can’t take out any stumps until we receive the proper permits,” Griffin said. “We will meet with the board of trustees in a couple of weeks and hope to receive the final go-ahead to begin work on the new residential hall.”

The facility has been in the planning stages for the past several months because of continued growth on the Limestone College campus.

Limestone College has a record 809 full-day students attending classes this fall. The college has faced a shortage of on-campus housing in recent years.

Limestone presently has space for 350 students in on-campus housing.

Griffin said the proposed residential hall would accommodate 96 men and women students in suite-style rooms.

The new residential hall would be built in sections so men and women students are housed in separate areas of the building, Griffin said.

“Our goal is to have the residential hall completed by Aug. 1 next year so it will be ready to open for the fall semester,” Griffin said. “There is a great need for this project.”