Student dormitory Kalapuya Ilihi has reopened following a two-year closure in July 2023. Kalapuya Ilihi will be open for all students and will consist of many academic residential communities to serve students of different studies and backgrounds.
The building was forced to temporarily close after discovering cracks in the walls and structural issues that posed seismic risks. The UO filed lawsuits against its construction partners involved with the project and the complaint was settled for $7 million and dismissed in August 2025.
With students moving and settling in, Jennifer O’Neal, assistant professor and director of undergraduate studies for Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies, said she is excited about the move-in process and the opportunities students will have in their community this year.
“It’s great to be finally back open after being closed for two years,” O’Neal said. “We have a really great community here, and incredible resident assistants and community directors, so everything’s been well organized and going smoothly.”
Kalapuya Ilihi was named in honor of the traditional indigenous homeland of the Kalapuya people. They were the indigenous people of the Willamette Valley and Kalapuya Ilihi is the land on which UO is located.
But between 1851 and 1855, the Kalapuya people were dispossessed of their homeland through treaties by the U.S. government and removed to Western Oregon.
In acknowledging the Kalapuyans and other nations of the original inhabitants of the land that UO occupies, this residence building recognizes and respects those nations and tribes with ancestral connections to Kalapuyan and Indigenous peoples who were displaced from their territories in Oregon.
“It’s important that we honor and recognize those descendants and those people, and that’s what the building was named after,” O’Neal said. “That’s also why our academic residential community is in this building, why we teach Native studies courses and host Native scholars and tribal elders in the building. It’s one way the university can honor the indigenous people of the land that Eugene (and UO) is on.”
Kalapuya Ilihi is adjacent to the Many Nations Longhouse, which serves as a community and a place of respite, respect and a welcoming environment for American Indian and Alaskan Native students. The residence hall building is also near the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, which highlights Native American history and culture through its displays.
UO consists of many native communities on campus and academic residential communities for Native American and Indigenous studies that are designed to encourage academic, social and cultural discussions. The communities provide opportunities such as financial and academic help, community connections and events, collaborative environments and mentorship to enhance students’ success.
“We have the art and design and community of practice here in this building; it’s a really creative space.” There’s a makerspace where a lot of great community artwork is happening. We have native art in the building by James Lavadour and art installations by Marie Watt. There’s a lot of great creative work that happens in this building, and we partner with other native artists and Native elders,” O’Neal said.
In terms of the building and structure itself, Director for University Housing Michael Griffel said the building’s overall remodel and renovation created a more open and brighter feeling, with very nice lighting throughout. “The building looks wonderful; we’re really excited about it,” Griffel said.
In a walking tour of Kalapuya Ilihi on Sept. 25, Griffel emphasized the “wonderful” community spaces that can allow students to learn and connect with one another. He is excited about the building finally being reopened and for incoming students to take full advantage of this unique experience.
“This is a community that we try really, really hard to create a sense of belonging and connection, and for people to have friendships in a learning setting. Our focus really is on building community and connections and a welcoming environment to truly help people to flourish,” Griffel said.
