Emory University is moving forward with a new residential tower designed to tackle a dearth of graduate student housing in a location that’s walkable to transit and all key buildings across campus. 

Phase II of “The Ridge”—a Graduate and Professional Student Housing Initiative at Emory—recently began construction at 1945 Ridgewood Drive NE. That's near the eastern fringes of campus, just south of Lullwater Preserve. 

As designed by Ayers Saint Gross architects, the new L-shaped structure will wrap two sides of an existing parking deck, adding 383 beds for Emory graduate students on campus. 

How The Ridge Phase II will front Ridgewood Drive. Renderings by Ayers Saint Gross, courtesy of Emory University

The two-phase Ridge project's 1945 Ridgewood Drive NE location in relation to the rest of campus. Google Maps

The initial phase of The Ridge, which opened in summer 2024, consists of 535 beds next door. 

The new building—at the request of Emory students—will offer more two-bedroom options and fewer studios than its predecessor. 

According to Emory officials, both buildings are a 15-minute walk or less from every graduate-level lab, program, and library on the university’s Atlanta campus, with the goal being that “students can reach their campus destinations without needing a car,” according to a recent project announcement. Stops for Emory’s shuttle service and MARTA buses are also nearby. 

Input from students and focus groups informed the design of both The Ridge phases. Along with walkability, The Ridge is aiming to provide a space for graduate students from all disciplines to gather and socialize that had been lacking on Emory’s core campus. 

The Ridge's south courtyard entryways. Renderings by Ayers Saint Gross, courtesy of Emory University

Robin Morey, vice president for campus services and chief planning officer, said housing at Phase II will be “competitively priced” and that current The Ridge occupancy rates are 99 percent.  

“The demand remains strong, as demonstrated by full occupancy and a strong sense of community,” Morey said in a statement. “Throughout this process, we’re making sure that we’re meeting our goals and not just filling beds.”

Schedules call for The Ridge’s second phase to open in summer 2027. When it debuts, the campus will count nearly 1,000 beds of housing for graduate and professional students. 

The Ridge’s initial phase earned LEED Gold designation earlier this year, continuing the university’s sustainability initiatives. That brought Emory’s Atlanta campus to more than 4 million square feet of sustainably certified building space, per the university. 

Entries to a section of The Ridge described as townhomes. Renderings by Ayers Saint Gross, courtesy of Emory University

...

Follow us on social media: 

Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  

• Emory University news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)