York College Breaks Ground on Major Expansion of Northside Commons
York College celebrated a significant milestone on April 15 with the groundbreaking of a major expansion to Northside Commons, a residence hall that has been central to student life since it opened in 2011.
The new project will add 204 beds and a range of modern amenities designed to enhance the on-campus living experience.
Among those who spoke at the ceremony was junior Film and Media Arts major Nolan Smith, who lived in Northside Commons during his first year. “I met some of my best friends in Northside Commons and began to feel what it meant to be part of the York College community,” he said. “To me, Northside Commons was where we had late-night study sessions that turned into early morning laughs, where my roommate and I learned to live on our own for the first time, and where community began to take shape.”
Looking ahead, Nolan said the expansion represents opportunity for future students. “This project represents growth. It means future Spartans will have access to modern, welcoming, thoughtfully designed spaces that support both academic success and personal connection.”
Set for completion in June 2026, the expansion is expected to be ready for students to move in that fall. In addition to increased capacity, the updated residence hall will feature secure Wi-Fi, air conditioning, upgraded furniture based on student input, and enhanced multipurpose meeting areas designed for comfort and functionality. Outdoor recreational furniture will also be added to create inviting spaces for studying and socializing.
York College President Dr. Thomas Burns spoke about the project's broader impact on student life.
“Northside Commons has served as a hub of student life,” Dr. Burns said. “But as our campus continues to evolve, so must the spaces that support our students' growth and success—both inside and outside the classroom.”
He continued, “This project is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about building community. It’s about ensuring our students have access to modern, functional, and inspiring spaces that promote learning, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. These are the kinds of spaces that allow students to thrive—not just academically, but personally.”
York College is working with Stewart & Tate as construction gets underway. Ryan Tate, Executive Vice President of Stewart & Tate, said projects like the Northside Commons expansion are exactly why they are passionate about their work. “We understand that what we’re starting today will soon become a home for students, a place for friendships, learning, and life to happen. That sense of purpose is what drives our team.”
The Northside Commons expansion is the latest in a series of investments York College is making to ensure students have access to spaces that foster learning, community, and personal growth.
For Nolan Smith, that investment is deeply personal.
“I know how much these spaces matter,” he said. “I’ve lived it. And I’m proud to know future students will get to have their own late-night study sessions, their own friendships, and their own memories in a place that truly feels like home.”
