Metro State Student Success Building

Establishing a distinct campus identity while creating a gateway for student success, innovation, and community engagement.

The Student Success Building provides Metropolitan State University of Denver with a dedicated campus landmark that strengthens the institution’s identity within the Auraria Higher Education Campus. Since sharing the urban campus with neighboring institutions for decades, Metro State sought a facility that would serve as both a gateway to the university and a central hub for student support, engagement, and academic success.

Located at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Auraria Parkway, the 151,360-square-foot, four-story facility was funded entirely through student fees and designed to enhance the student experience through a diverse mix of academic, collaborative, and community-focused spaces.

The building is organized around two wings that frame a central courtyard, creating opportunities for gathering, interaction, and campus activity. Constructed with a structural steel frame, the facility features a sophisticated exterior composed of metal panels, brick, and glass, giving the building a distinctive architectural presence within the urban campus environment.

Specialized spaces include a Community Action Theater, a Center for Innovation, a First-Year Experience Center, and administrative offices, all designed to support student development, creativity, and community engagement. Together, these functions create a welcoming destination that connects students with the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.

The result is a transformative campus facility that reinforces Metro State’s unique identity while serving as a vibrant center for learning, innovation, and student success.

This project received LEED Gold Certification in 2012.