The project’s design experts know that community colleges must foster a sense of belonging and connectedness to attract and retain students, and knew that the on-campus residence facility, Campus View, would be a key element in fostering that. Unlike the typical warehoused experience of dormitories that often drive students away from campuses, an amenity-rich environment was a major consideration in the design of the residence facility. This presented an opportunity for the design team to collaborate intensely not only with project partners and college administrators, student life staff and board members, but also directly with the students to ensure their expectations, as consumers, would be met while also adhering to the project’s budget. Wood accents on the exterior, a fireplace in the student lounge and abundant natural light throughout create a warm, welcoming environment in Campus View, allowing for both privacy and interaction. Located in the campus’ heart, the first phase houses 96 students in furnished four-bedroom apartments. Each apartment opens into a spacious living room and kitchen/dining area, and including two bathrooms with four sinks, full kitchen with dishwasher and breakfast bar, free long-distance phone service, and wired/wireless internet access.

Other amenities Include:

• central community room and study space
• a common area with separate study room on each floor
• a convenience store
• storage rooms
• a laundry facility
• a third-floor roof deck

Security includes an on-site 24/7 resident director, keycard access to the building and each apartment, surveillance cameras and ample lighting – attractive features to both students and parents in a facility that is a boon for a college reinventing itself.