The University will soon begin work on its newest residence hall — set to open August 2018 — by fencing off the construction site around Usen Castle, according to an email sent to students on Thursday from the Office of Campus Operations.

The email said that the University installed fencing around the site on Monday, though Castle archways were blocked off with wooden planks earlier in the weekend. The fencing will not affect access to Cholmondeley’s Coffee House — located in B Tower — according to the email.

The email also referred students to a website for the site plan, which includes a graphic for fence placement.

The plan shows fencing all around the Castle, with the exception of Towers A and B, which will remain standing after the construction of the new housing.

The new residence hall will also be energy-efficient and accessible, with spaces for study and campus events, according to the email.

Provost Lisa Lynch announced in an email to the University community on Jan. 25, 2016 that the new residence hall will house approximately 160 students. A Jan. 26, 2016 Justice article also quoted Vice President for Campus Operations Jim Gray as stating that the cost of the project will total “in the neighborhood of $37 million.”

A construction timeline and building plans are also forthcoming, Thursday’s email read. No further project plans have been updated to the project website as of press time.

—Abby Patkin