Sewanee Village Ventures Begins Early Work on New Employee Apartments

May 29, 2026

Earlier this year, clearing and timbering took place on the site designated for the new University apartment community in downtown Sewanee. During the first week of June, site work is scheduled to resume in preparation for building construction.

A prominent feature of the University’s April 2022 Urban Land Institute study, as well as numerous studies conducted in the past decade, was the recommendation to increase population density in Sewanee, and in particular, in Sewanee Village. While new single-family home initiatives remain an important pursuit, renting an apartment remains a preference for a number of employees and seminary students. Creating additional housing options on the Domain will also aid in recruiting, hiring, and retaining both faculty and staff.

Features of the apartment project include:

  • Forty-eight total apartments constructed in two, three-story buildings
  • Arlington Construction out of Birmingham as project lead
  • A single entrance to the apartment community on Highway 41A
  • The Heritage Trail is extended south from its current termination point at the St. Mark’s Community Center to the sidewalk at 41A adjacent to the new apartment buildings
  • Construction to be completed in September 2027

Review illustrations, floor plans, and a site plan for the project.

January 6, 2026

The University of the South will begin the initial stages of construction for 48 new employee apartments in the Village starting Thursday, Jan. 8, as outlined in an announcement shared with the community earlier in October. The first phase of work will involve harvesting timber on the project site as part of a broader effort managed by the Office of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability (OESS). Once the harvesting work is complete, site clearing will follow in preparation for full construction, which is scheduled to begin in June 2026. The development will include two three-story apartment buildings designed to expand affordable and attractive housing options for University employees.

Supporting the Strategic Plan and Life on the Domain

Expanding employee housing is a key priority in the University’s strategic plan. By adding apartments within the Village, this project strengthens Sewanee’s ability to support faculty and staff who wish to live closer to campus, helping reverse a decades-long trend of employees residing farther away. In addition to addressing housing needs, the new apartments are expected to foster greater day-to-day connection between employees and students, strengthening the sense of community that defines life on the Domain.

Construction Timeline

After a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2026, construction will run from June 2026 through the end of summer 2027. The University aims to welcome employee residents to the new apartments shortly after completion. More information about the project will be shared as construction progresses.