PNW Breaks Ground on Calumet Hall, Expanding Student Housing Options

Purdue University Northwest leaders and community partners “broke ground” for the university’s third residence hall, Calumet Hall, in April 2025. The new building is scheduled to open in Fall 2026.

Purdue University Northwest broke ground on its third residence hall, Calumet Hall, on April 17, 2025. The 42,000-square foot facility is expected to open for the fall 2026 semester and will provide 150 beds, a common kitchen, laundry facilities, student study areas and a student lounge.

Located on the northeast corner of 173rd Street and Woodmar Avenue, Calumet Hall is designed to bring resident students closer to the heart of campus than ever before. The new residence hall is just minutes away from classrooms, as well as student services such as the Student Union Library. Calumet Hall also accommodates an increased demand for students who want a residential experience, such as the growing number of PNW Pride student-athletes.

See More Photos from the Groundbreaking

The construction process, led by Berglund Construction, is already underway.

“Today marks an exciting step forward in our ongoing efforts to create a vibrant, engaging and student-centered experience here on campus,” PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford said. “We’re deeply committed to providing not only an outstanding academic environment, but a complete college experience — one that fosters community, connection, and a sense of belonging. This new residence hall is more than just a building — it’s a space designed to be a home away from home and a place where students can gather, unwind and build lifelong friendships.”

This new residence hall is more than just a building — it’s a space designed to be a home away from home and a place where students can gather, unwind and build lifelong friendships.

Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford

A Name Rooted in Our Region

PNW Chancellor Chris Holford (right) assists Ajit Pandey and Viviana Plaza in unveiling the sign announcing the name of the new residence building: Calumet Hall.

The name Calumet Hall celebrates the rich geographic and cultural heritage of the Northwest Indiana region that is home to Purdue University Northwest. The Calumet Region was formed by the drainage of two rivers – the Grand Calumet and the Little Calumet – thousands of years ago, making it historically one of the most biodiverse areas of the U.S.

The nearby dunes along the southern shores of Lake Michigan, proximity to Chicago, and the area’s early economic growth as a hub of industrial production are among the many distinct aspects of the greater Calumet Region that also led to the establishment and growth of the PNW campuses. Thus the name of this residence hall reflects PNW’s unique place in the Purdue University system and the state of Indiana.

Celebrating PNW’s Commitment to Community

The new residence hall will be integrated into PNW’s Hammond Campus, offering a social hub for students and easy walking to classes and campus events.

Malcolm S. DeKryger, Purdue University Board of Trustees member, took part in the groundbreaking ceremony.

“PNW is a school that warmly receives students, cares compassionately about their education and teaches them to be contributing citizens to the Region and beyond,” DeKryger said. “PNW is transforming itself from a commuter campus into a residential campus. That comes with all the student life and activities that a big university has. It is meeting the needs of young people, and they are responding with their feet – they are coming to PNW.”

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., has experienced that growth firsthand, both as the city’s mayor and a PNW alumnus. He spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, praising the university for its commitment to the community and efforts to invigorate student life.

“This campus has been a cornerstone of Hammond for a long time, not just geographically, but economically, culturally and intellectually,” he said. “With the groundbreaking of this new residence hall, we’re taking another important step forward in strengthening the connection between Purdue Northwest and the City of Hammond. When students live on campus, they stay more engaged and connected, both to the university and their community. That means more foot traffic in our neighborhoods, more energy in our local economy, and more opportunities for our Region to retain the talented people who begin their journeys at PNW.”

PNW’s Student Government Association President Chloe Belford also spoke at the ceremony. As a resident assistant, she has both lived and worked in PNW’s University Village and understands the impact a residential experience can provide a student. “Residents support one another through tough times, support each other’s victories and grow in ways they never imagined,” Belford said. “I felt that sense of community that makes a dorm more than a place to sleep – it makes it a home. That’s why today’s groundbreaking is so meaningful. We’re not just adding another building to our campus. We’re creating new spaces for connection, for belonging, and for students to write their own stories just like I did. Calumet Hall represents the future of student life at Purdue Northwest.”

We’re not just adding another building to our campus. We’re creating new spaces for connection, for belonging, and for students to write their own stories just like I did.

Chloe Belford, President, PNW Student Government Association