Heidelberg University, Residence Life and Learning Hall, and University Commons

Tiffin, Ohio

Firm

MKC Associates, Inc.

Client

University Housing Solutions, LLC

Area

47,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$6,600,000

Completion Date

09/2011

For the first time in 45 years, Heidelberg students have new "digs" to call home. The university has opened a new Residence Life and Learning Hall. The new facility has a 120-student residence hall and commons area for all students. The commons is attached to the residence hall, but it is designed to function as its own space with a separate entry.

The new residence hall addresses Heidelberg’s two paramount strategic goals: improving academic excellence and improving the student experience.

Situated in the heart of the university grounds and aimed primarily at drawing sophomores back to campus, the facility is an innovation in community pod-style living—designed to encourage student interaction. It features a stone and brick facade that blends with the campus architecture, and includes five, two-story student "pods," each with 12 student bedrooms per floor. The living space includes a balcony surrounding an open, two-story great room with a panoramic view of the campus, loft seating, kitchen, soft seating and study spaces to reinforce the academic mission.

An integral piece of the project is The University Commons, an area designed to support students’ pursuit of social, academic, spiritual and physical activity. It is a welcoming space, not only for residents of the hall, but also for the campus community. The commons features a large wood-burning fireplace at the front as the principal architectural feature. The commons also features a cafe pub, a flexible events space, an open computer area, meeting space and a news station. It also features floor-to-ceiling glass windows throughout. The exterior patio has an open outdoor gathering space with a fire pit and outdoor seating.