University of Hawaii at Manoa Opens RISE Innovation Community

The University of Hawaii at Manoa opened the $70 million Residences for Innovative Student Entrepreneurs (RISE) in August of 2023 in Honolulu. Leveraging the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to promote new venture success, the 117,000-sf building features a 7,263-sf multipurpose venue with a maker lab for prototyping and design. The six-story structure also offers co-working zones, meeting areas, and a classroom. On the upper floors, a 219-unit dormitory provides 374 beds for undergraduate and graduate students from across the UH System.

Delivered as a public-private partnership with Hunt Development Group, the live-learn-work facility extends the innovation ecosystem of the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE), part of the Shidler College of Business. B.HOM Student Living is managing RISE's residential component. Design Partners provided architectural services with The Wilhelm Group as construction manager and Moss & Associates as general contractor. Ground was broken on the center in January of 2022.

Additionally, the university has initiated a $57 million renovation to transform an existing library into the 115,000-sf Student Success Center. Three open floors with tables and comfortable seating will encourage students to stay on campus to gather, study, and socialize. Designed by Group 70 International, the four-story building will house academic advising offices, a computer lab, and 30 conference rooms of various sizes. The technology-rich structure will accommodate the College of Social Sciences' Digital Studios, a modern Esports gaming hub, and a flexible event space with broadcasting capabilities. Targeting LEED Silver certification, the sustainably designed project is being delivered by design-build contractor Swinerton. Work began in June of 2023 and completion is expected in fall of 2025.