The four-story commons project includes the central dining facility for the university, which is made up of nine micro-restaurants to provide a variety of dining options. The commons houses the only dedicated faculty lounge on campus with a large event space on the first floor. The fourth floor is nearly all outdoors with a rooftop oasis for student gatherings. The exterior, clad with copper, glass and brick, makes the building a stand-out feature on campus. 

Photo courtesy of Frank Ooms

Rooftop solar is incorporated into the project, and both buildings are on track for LEED certification: Gold for the residential village and Silver for the commons. The commons building also includes a green roof, nearly 30% of it planted with grass.

Photo courtesy of Frank Ooms

A goal for the combined project is inclusivity. The commons and the residential village bring a critical mass of students and resources to the center of campus to transform the historic core—a primary aim of DU’s strategic plan. The combined project funnels the campus community from the periphery to the commons area, which provides a gathering place for the entire campus with spaces to dine, meet, socialize, study and embrace supportive services.

Photo courtesy of Frank Ooms

The project also offers an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes cultural awareness and empathy. The hall aims to cultivate student retention and help produce graduates who are prepared to work with people of differing points of view.