Lake Forest College faced the common challenge of making a new residence hall economically viable without negatively impacting financial plans for other projects. Balfour Beatty partnered with the College to analyze various approaches and secure optimal construction financing. Visits from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard and Poor’s Financial Services were arranged, and Balfour Beatty guided the College through its first rating’s review. Lake Forest College secured funds at a favorable rate and self-financed the project.

Acting as a program and construction manager, Balfour Beatty worked to secure community buy-in and local government approval for necessary zoning changes. Successfully achieving zoning changes was a delicate process in the tight knit community.

With all necessary approvals in place, a new LEED Certified housing community emerged offering two-bedroom, two-bath suites as well as single bedroom and bath floor plans. A central lobby with kitchen, dedicated laundry area, and multipurpose rooms and two elevators connects the north and south wings. The brick exterior, selected to blend with existing campus structures, preserves and complements the community’s historic character.