Brigham Young University is no stranger to married couples on its Provo campus.

The flagship school of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is known for actively encouraging students to pursue marriage — as are the Utah-based faith’s top leaders.

In continuing to foster these unions, the school has announced that it will construct 11 new apartment buildings for married students and students with children.

BYU announced in a news release that the new housing units will be built at the Wymount Terrace on-campus housing area to replace older structures that have been in use since 1962.

“Wymount Terrace has served BYU student families for more than 60 years,” Steve Hafen, the school’s chief financial officer and administration vice president, said in the release. “This investment will help ensure that those who call Wymount home continue to have an affordable, supportive environment where they can thrive.”

The school plans to demolish nine buildings on the south section of Wymount Terrace and then construct 11 new buildings to supply 240 apartments for families.

The new buildings will be three stories, featuring two- and three-bedroom units.

No price tag for the undertaking was included.

“This project aims to enhance living facilities and the overall student experience while fostering Christ-centered communities,” Todd Fischio, director of residence life at BYU, said. “In the future, families will have access to affordable, conveniently located, energy-efficient and well-maintained apartments.”

Construction will begin this month and is expected to last two years.

BYU announced that it has relocated all families affected by the project.

Church President Dallin H. Oaks has encouraged Latter-day Saints not to delay marriage and having children.

“Marriage is central to the purpose of mortal life and what follows,” Oaks said in a worldwide devotional in 2023. “We are children of a loving Heavenly Father who created us with the capacity to follow his commandment to multiply and replenish the Earth.”

Note to readers • Dylan Eubank is a Report for America corps member covering faith in Utah County for The Salt Lake Tribune. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories.