College announces new apartment-style residential complex
McPherson College, a private Kansas college known for its innovative Automotive Restoration Technology degree program, continues an unprecedented period of campus construction with the announcement of a new apartment-style residential complex.
Dondlinger Construction of Wichita, builder of Exploration Place and McPherson College’s Campus Commons, has been selected as the general contractor for the project. Dondlinger also will serve as general contractor for the college’s two other campus projects — the renovation and expansion of Templeton Hall and the renovation of the former Hoffman Student Union for the new mechanical engineering program, which begins classes this fall. Together, the three donor-funded projects represent a $50 million investment in the campus.
“We continue to transform our campus with projects focused on students, providing them with quality academic experiences and opportunities to form meaningful connections,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “This investment in our residential program enables us to deliver quality living environments that meet students’ need for modern living spaces on campus and affirm our commitment to building a destination learning community.”
The two- and four-bedroom apartments will feature private bedrooms for each resident, a living room, a small kitchen with refrigerator and stove, and a bathroom with separate shower, toilet, and double vanity. All the apartments will be fully furnished with essential furniture. The new apartments will reflect and complement the prairie-style design of the Wise Campus Commons and integrate into the existing architectural landscape while offering a contemporary and welcoming environment for students.
The 90,000-square-foot, four-story building will be located on Lehmer Street on property north of the Harter Apartments and west of the Baer Apartments. The first phase of construction will begin this fall and is expected to be completed by fall 2027. It will provide housing for more than 200 students. A second apartment building on the property is planned in Phase Two to support future enrollment growth.
“I’m thrilled that McPherson College is adding another building to our community’s landscape,” said McPherson Mayor Jim Loving. “The project not only creates an inviting home for students in McPherson but also returns beds to the local rental market.”
Last spring, the college also announced plans to renovate and expand Templeton Hall, home of its Automotive Restoration program, and renovate the Hoffman building to house its new mechanical engineering program.
The Templeton Hall project allows McPherson College to support the student learning experience better and planned growth in automotive studies. Plans will more than double the current size of Templeton Hall and include significantly more lab and office space, areas for students to gather, a new entryway and showroom. The renovation will improve workflow throughout the facility and modernize building systems to provide enhanced learning environments. The facility will expand through a combination of new construction by connecting Templeton Hall to the Furnas facilities building, which will be relocated to a new building on campus.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with anticipated completion by fall 2028.
Construction on the renovation of Hoffman will begin this fall and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2027. Planned improvements include two flexible teaching laboratories, a computer lab, a fabrication lab, and dedicated student study space on the main floor. While creating dedicated space for the engineering program, the project also focuses on how students can experience the automobile in new ways.
Building upgrades will include improved ventilation and air-handling systems for laboratory use, expanded electrical capacity, and accessible entrances to accommodate the movement of materials and equipment. The renovation will focus primarily on the main floor, with development of the lower level as the program grows.
“Dondlinger is honored to continue our partnership with McPherson College on this next chapter of campus growth,” said Troy Kapels, Vice President at Dondlinger Construction. “From Campus Commons to this new residential complex, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtfully these projects are shaping student life, and we’re proud McPherson College trusts us to help bring that vision to life again.”