Blanco Hall, the newest residence hall at The University of Texas at San Antonio, is completed and set to open in January.
The new living-learning community will expand housing options for first-year students and sophomores on the main academic campus, providing space for nearly 600 students.
Located at the intersection of Barshop Boulevard and Tobin Avenue, Blanco Hall spans over 155,000 square feet and offers a mix of single- and double-bed units, as well as an open lobby, lounges, multipurpose rooms, laundry facilities, spaces for study and collaborative learning, and other amenities.
“Blanco Hall represents our continued investment in creating dynamic, student-centered environments that foster collaboration, innovation and student success,” said Veronica Salazar, senior executive vice president for enterprise development and transformation. “As our student enrollment continues to grow, we are committed to designing spaces that support student development and contribute to a meaningful campus experience.”
Students in Blanco Hall will benefit from proximity to existing on-campus housing communities, dining options and campus resources that support their personal and professional development.
As a living-learning community, the facility will also feature specialized educational resources, including a kitchen that will serve as a shared nutrition, research and practice laboratory, supporting UT San Antonio’s program in dietetics.
“Expanding on-campus housing options gives more students the opportunity to fully engage in the UT San Antonio experience,” said Heather Shipley, provost and senior executive vice president for academic affairs.
“Research at UT San Antonio and other institutions shows that living on campus helps students stay connected, get involved and thrive academically — reinforcing our ongoing commitment to student success,” Shipley added. “A vibrant residential community strengthens peer relationships, builds essential life skills and fosters a deep sense of belonging that supports every aspect of the student journey.”
Students are expected to begin moving into Blanco Hall in January. The inaugural group of residents will include current students from Chisholm Hall, which will close temporarily for renovations.
The planned updates to Chisholm include needed upgrades to the building’s heating and air conditioning system to improve comfort and energy efficiency, supporting a high-quality residential experience for years to come. Chisholm Hall is expected to reopen for the Fall 2026 semester in August, at which time Blanco Hall will be designated for first-year and sophomore students going forward.
“As we prepare to renovate Chisholm Hall, we’re excited to welcome its current residents as the first students to live in Blanco Hall,” said Mary Hernandez, senior vice president for administration and operations and chief operating officer. “This opportunity emphasizes our commitment to providing exceptional physical spaces on our campuses that enhance the Roadrunner experience.”
