A rendering of Rivier Village Phase II. Courtesy image/Rivier University

NASHUA – Rivier University is set to begin construction on the second phase of its Rivier Village project early next year.

The expansion aims to address the growing demand for on-campus housing, fueled by record enrollment and the ongoing development of the university’s academic and athletic programs.

The new residence halls will replicate the design of the existing Rivier Village buildings that opened this past winter. Each hall will accommodate 37 students, offering a mix of single and two-bedroom units. The expansion will also include additional parking as well as new walkways, green spaces and landscaping to enhance the complex while making the campus more accessible.

The initial phase of Rivier Village, situated at the corner of South Main Street and Oldfield Road, introduced two buildings featuring four-to-six single-bedroom suites, each equipped with multiple bathrooms, a living room, a full kitchen and in-unit laundry facilities.

“With the successful launch of the first two Rivier Village residence halls, we have seen firsthand the positive impact this modern living space has had on our student community,” said Rivier President Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM. “Phase two of the project will not only expand our residential capacity, but also enhance the overall experience of our students.”

The Rivier Village expansion is a strategic initiative aligned with the university’s multi-year plan to support its growth. The new residential halls will offer juniors and seniors a living environment that mirrors the independence they will experience post-graduation. A 12-month rental option continues to be available, accommodating students who wish to remain on campus year-round.

This expansion is part of the university’s broader campus enhancement plan, which has already seen the addition of the 36,000-square-foot Science and Innovation Center in 2020, the cutting-edge Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center in 2022, and the renovation of Business and Security Studies facilities to include advanced cybersecurity laboratories.

The university has also made substantial investments in its athletic facilities, highlighted by the Linda Robinson Pavilion that opened in 2019. This facility offers stadium seating, an athletic training room, and areas for team gatherings, along with a new artificial turf playing field on Joanne Merrill Field. Recent enhancements to the Muldoon Center include a new hardwood floor in the gymnasium and updated locker room facilities, which were unveiled earlier this month.