Tennessee State University, New Student Housing

Located in northwest Nashville, Tennessee State University is the only state-funded Historically Black College and University in Tennessee. The institution is dedicated to preparing a diverse population of leaders through affordable and accessible education programs, with an emphasis on contributing to economic and community development. To accommodate a growing student population, the public urban institution initiated several construction projects across campus, including a new, six-floor residence hall.  

The residence hall is the first new dormitory on TSU’s campus in 23 years. The mixed-use facility hosts 700-beds in a mix of pod-style units, semi-suites, and student apartments. In addition to residential accommodations, the new building also features administrative offices, retail and dining, laundry, and fitness facilities. SSR worked directly with the project contractor to make sure all equipment and systems serving the building operated as designed.  

Our commissioning team was involved throughout the project, with a major role in quality assurance even after the building was occupied. Our team was diligent in identifying issues that might have an impact on student safety and equipment performance. We worked with the construction team even after project completion to make sure TSU had a fully functional building.  

In addition to commissioning services, SSR performed localized, qualitivate air leakage testing on the dormitory while still in construction phase. Also known as “bubble gun” testing, the method measures air leakage through the exterior. The team identified areas that needed attention, such as blisters on the surface of the concrete structures, and recommended further action to prevent leakage. 

We took a holistic approach to this project, providing diligent testing of both interior and exterior systems, to support TSU. With a number of influential people among the institution’s alumni, including Oprah Winfrey, the school is equipped with a fully functional building to host the next generation of leaders.