A New Home for CUE Students
The walls are coming down and a new chapter is rising at Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE). Demolition is imminent, and the excitement on campus is building as we move forward with a bold project to create more modern, affordable, and welcoming residence spaces for our students. For many, living on campus is about more than convenience. It is about feeling connected, supported, and part of a vibrant community. Yet only 6% of our first-year students currently live in residence, despite 20% of our students saying they would choose to if space were available.
We know housing affordability is a challenge in Edmonton. Vacancy rates are low, costs are high, and demand is growing. CUE is responding with a student-focused solution that balances comfort, community, and affordability.
The new 200-bed student residence will double our housing capacity and become a hub where friendships grow, academic success is supported, and a strong sense of community thrives. This is the CUE way!
This page will have the latest project information, construction timelines, and more.
Artist Renderings
*These drawings are meant to spark imagination in the eventual building design and are not exact representations of the final building design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does CUE need to expand its student housing infrastructure?
Our current student residences haven’t been modernized in decades, and they simply can’t meet the needs or preferences of today’s students. The new residence will provide 200 beds, more than doubling our housing capacity and giving students a modern, comfortable place to call home.
While enrolment trends are shifting, there’s still a strong need for student housing across the Edmonton Metro Region. The 2025 Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC) results show only 6% of our first-year students live on campus (compared to the national average of 34% and 31% at comparable universities). Plus, 1 in 5 CUE students who live off campus say they would choose campus housing if there was space available.
Where will the new residence be built?
The new residence will be located at 11120–73 Street. The former Faculty Annex and residential property that occupy this space will be demolished as part of construction.
While enrolment trends are shifting, there’s still a strong need for student housing across the Edmonton Metro Region. The 2025 Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC) results show only 6% of our first-year students live on campus (compared to the national average of 34% and 31% at comparable universities). Plus, 1 in 5 CUE students who live off campus say they would choose campus housing if there was space available.
What are the project costs? How is CUE paying for this project?
We’re investing in students. The $22.6 million project cost is covered through a mix of institutional funds, donor support, and long-term financing, with rental income fully covering all operating and financing costs. This way, we can respond to a pressing student need while keeping our budget healthy for the future.
What is the timeline for this project?
The construction contract has been awarded to Fillmore Construction, and the building permit is already in place. Demolition work on site will begin imminently, followed by full construction. We anticipate the new residence will welcome its first students in early 2027.
What community engagement occurred prior to the start of the project?
From the start, CUE has made it a priority to keep our community informed and involved. Community engagement occurred in February and March 2025, giving neighbours and other interested parties the opportunity to share input and raise any concerns.
On April 7, 2025, the City of Edmonton approved CUE’s rezoning application. As part of the rezoning process, interested parties also had an opportunity to provide feedback. View the rezoning details on the City’s zoning portal.
CUE remains committed to open communication as the project moves forward.
What is CUE’s approach to sustainability during demolition, construction, and operation?
We’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint at every stage of the project. Prior to demolition, materials and fixtures from the existing houses were offered up to the community to be reused, repurposed, and/or recycled wherever possible.
Construction will follow best practices to limit waste and conserve resources, and the finished residence will feature modern, energy-efficient systems to support a more sustainable campus
Will CUE’s neighbours be impacted?
Construction will take place entirely on CUE property. We will do our best to minimize disruption by managing construction traffic, dust, and noise. We’re committed to keeping open communication and responding quickly to any neighbour concerns.
Will residents have access to the back alley during construction?
Yes. There may be a few occasions, such as when the water main connections are being made, that the alley may be closed for a period of a day or two. Notification will be provided to neighbours by the City of Edmonton as the service provider responsible for utilities connections being made.
What are the expected daily construction hours?
In Edmonton, construction noise is generally permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Sundays and statutory holidays (City of Edmonton Noise Bylaw). We’ll follow these rules and schedule the noisiest work during daytime hours. If extended hours are ever needed, we’ll notify our neighbours in advance.
How will noise, dust, and other disturbances be managed?
Our contractors will use dust-control measures like water suppression, keep equipment in good repair to reduce noise, and schedule particularly loud work for less disruptive times of day. The site will be kept tidy, and debris will be managed promptly to maintain a safe, clean environment for neighbours, students and staff.
Will there be traffic or parking restrictions during construction?
Most construction traffic will access the site from 73 Street to limit disruption. Some short-term road or alley closures may be needed for work such as utility connections, but these will be communicated in advance, with notices from the City where required.
Parking impacts will be kept to a minimum. Contractor parking in the neighborhood will not be permitted. CUE will be providing parking for construction workers at the EXPO Centre lot, while Site Office staff may park at the site trailer lot at 7302-111 Avenue.
How will CUE ensure safety around the construction site?
The site will be fenced and clearly marked with safety signage to separate construction areas from public spaces. CUE and Fillmore Construction will follow strict safety protocols that meet or exceed industry standards, with regular site inspections to ensure compliance.
Who should neighbours or students contact to report construction concerns?
Questions, concerns, or feedback during construction can be sent to Bob Thompson, Project Manager, at bob.thompson@concordia.ab.ca. We’ll respond as quickly as possible.
Will construction updates be posted regularly, and where?
Yes. Updates and key milestones will be shared on the Future CUE webpage and through other CUE communication channels so our community can easily follow along with the project’s progress.
Are there planned milestones or phases within construction when special activities will occur?
Yes. We’ll share information in advance about major phases — like demolition, foundation pouring, and crane installation — so neighbours know what to expect. These updates will be posted on the Future CUE webpage and through other CUE communications.
When will the new residence officially open for student move-in?
The new residence is expected to be ready for students to move in at the start of the 2027 year. We’ll share exact dates closer to completion to help you plan your move smoothly.
When and where can students submit their applications to live in the new residence?
We anticipate that applications will open in late 2026 through the CUE Student Housing portal on our website. We’ll send out notifications to all current and future students with details on how and when to apply.
Will current residence students have priority to apply for rooms in the new building? How will CUE assign students to different residence buildings or rooms?
Yes! Students currently living in our residence will be given first priority to apply for rooms in the new building to make their transition easier.
Room assignments are based on application date, room preferences, and availability. Our Housing Team will do their best to accommodate your preferences and ensure a fair process for everyone.
What will happen in the summer when the residence is mostly vacant from students? Will temporary or short-term occupancy be offered?
There have been discussions about occupancy during the summer break. However, we currently have no plans for short term occupancy. If and when we review the opportunity, we will engage the community in a discussion to ensure neighbours’ views are considered.
Will the current residence buildings (Eberhardt Hall and Founders Hall) be demolished after the new residence is operational?
No, the two current residence buildings will be repurposed once the new residence is available for occupancy. The two buildings are Eberhardt Hall on the east side of the campus, south of Braaksma Hall, and Founders Hall on the west side of the campus, south of the Hole Academic Centre. They can be seen on the campus map here: https://concordia.ab.ca/about/campus-map/.
Will there be commercial space for food service or convenience store offerings in the residence?
There will be kitchen space available for residence occupants and there are additional food services offered at CUE specifically for students at our cafeteria in Founders Hall and in our bistro in the Judy Kruse Student Commons.
Will there be parking available for students living in the new residence building?
Yes, the new student resident will have 13 ground level stalls on the south side. These are provided for convenient access for people with mobility issues, service providers, or short-term visitors. Additional parking is available across and near Campus, including existing surface lots, underground parking beneath Braaksma Hall, and rented stalls at the Expo Centre that students can access by purchasing a parking pass.
Where can I find updates on this project? How can I sign up for email updates or newsletters about the project?
We will be posting regular updates about this project on this page.
You can also sign up for email updates by sending an email to FutureCUE@concordia.ab.ca to get updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Who can I contact if I have questions about this project?
If you have any questions about the project, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bob Thompson, Project Manager at bob.thompson@concordia.ab.ca.
The Luminary – Non-CUE Construction Occurring Adjacent to Campus
In addition to CUE’s own new student residence project, there is another major construction project occurring next door. Starting shortly and going until summer 2027, Ever Red Real Estate Developments Ltd. will redevelop the site that housed the Bright Horizons daycare (7100 Ada Blvd).
The project will include:
- Temporary relocation of Bright Horizons daycare to the Ralph King Athletics Centre, with plans to return to the main floor of the new building once ready;
- Demolition of the existing building; and
- Construction of The Luminary, a six-storey tower, with residential rental units for the broader community.
For updates on The Luminary project, please visit: https://everred.ca/listings/the-luminary/ or send an email to info@everred.ca.