Bryant University's new Puishys Residence Complex is far more than "student housing": the 85,000-square-foot apartment complex for juniors and seniors is designed from the ground up to foster community, collaboration, and personal wellness with a mix of living spaces, social and gaming lounges, outdoor patios, and comfortable areas for students to study solo or in groups.
"Upper-class students will live in a setting that offers privacy combined with social engagement and comfort combined with convenience to the entire campus," said complex namesake Joe Puishys '80, vice chair of Bryant’s Board of Trustees and co-chair of the Vision 2030 Campaign Committee, who along with Kathi (Jurewicz) ’81 Puishys donated $10 million to the university to fund this and other initiatives. "It will also serve as an incredible bridge from university living and learning to post-graduate living and employment.”
Open for the start of the 2025-26 academic year, the Puishys Residence Complex "marks a new chapter for the residential experience of students of Bryant University," said Nick Olszewski, Bryant's assistant director of Residential Life.
Here's a first look at this exciting new addition to the Bryant campus, located just inside the main university entrance and convenient to both the Tupper campus and the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC):
Extensive landscaping helps integrate the residences with their natural environment, including a wide footbridge spanning a rocky stream bed that serves as one of the main gateways to the complex.
Set on a hillside at the edge of a forest, the complex designed by Ayers Saint Gross features terraced landscaping, outdoor fire pits, seating areas, and other design elements intended to encourage students to gather.
The glass bridge connecting the complex's two residential buildings is not only functional but serves as a relaxation space, with comfortable seating on all three levels where students can enjoy the views.
Dorms in the upperclass student residence hall house 204 juniors and seniors in four- and six-bedroom apartments. Each apartment has single bedrooms, two bathrooms, a common room, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Kitchens features soft-close cabinets, tile backsplashes, and appliances including a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher. Islands with counter-height stools can accommodate group meals or quick bites on the go between classes, as well as serving as a food-prep space.
The kitchen and living room share an open-concept floor plan, with living rooms furnished with a sofa, loveseat, chair, end tables, and a credenza/TV stand. All enjoy ample natural lighting, with corner units especially prized for their views.
The single-occupancy apartments all have storage closets and a pantry as well as a bed, desk, desk chair, two sets of underbed storage drawers, and a built-in closet.
Laundry rooms are conveniently located on every floor, with multiple washers and dryers and spacious tables for sorting and folding.
On the ground level of the complex is a gaming lounge with 4k screens and integrated sound as well as pool tables, ping pong tables, and darts. There's also a wellness studio with space for yoga and workout equipment like weights and elliptical machines.
A welcoming lounge features comfortable seating around a large gas fireplace and furnishings with natural wood accents.
Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., who greeted new student residents on move-in day, said the Puishys Residence Complex is "a physical expression of our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging at Bryant."
"Its contemporary design enhances our campus footprint, and the stunning residential complex will soon become a fixture of Bryant’s vibrant student life experience,” he said.