University of Denver Community Commons and First Year Residence Hall

Built on the footprint of the north side of the Driscoll Student Center and located at the heart of the University of Denver campus, the 132,000-square-foot Community Commons houses spaces for classes, programming, studying and collaborative opportunities, as well as a central dining hall to bring people together for meals and conversation. It provides a backdrop for activities that foster student and community engagement and after-hours socialization.

Student support services will be housed entirely in the Community Commons, instead of being spread across multiple buildings, Student Services staff can provide comprehensive support and guidance in one, central location.

The design will include multi-story pathways and gathering spaces through the building, presenting opportunities for students, faculty and staff to encounter each other, form connections and cultivate relationships.

To foster meaningful interactions, dialogues and relationships among their 1,500 first-year students, the new residence hall features “pods” of about 24 students each, programming space and an outdoor gathering area that can accommodate the entire first-year class. And to improve student success, students have access to co-curricular community building initiatives from day one. The building will feature 261 sleeping units located in the center of campus.

A stronger sense of belonging supports students’ persistence as they fuel their desire for knowledge, understanding and self-actualization — hallmarks of a transformative and impactful education. The Community Commons and First-Year Residence Hall work together to integrate student life into the center of campus.

Visit the project website for construction updates.

Renderings courtesy of Moore Ruble Yudell Architects and Anderson Mason Dale Architects