Transitional Housing Complex

This project began with an analysis and study of housing on the Washburn Campus. As Washburn completed a new 400 person residential Living Learning Center, the University realized the true impact and saw an opportunity to change the residence life profile of their campus. The study objectives were to prioritize who would be served by additional housing; what housing unit-types to consider; special programs; locations; probable costs; and potential timelines. After study completion the University began the design of their new Transitional Housing complex - the Village. While student life activities and interaction are still important goals, this project is intended to provide housing for single undergraduates beyond the freshman year and a transition from ‘more control’ to ‘more autonomy’. This new 62,000 sq ft facility adds 194 new beds to the campus. The unit mix is mostly 4 person/4 bedroom suites with a smaller mix of 4 person/3 bedroom and 2 person/2 bedroom suites. Each suite consists of one of the bedroom mixes, with bathrooms, a living room and kitchenette. The complex is similar to more traditional apartment construction with exterior entrances, however, the configuration of the complex also has a controlled entrance into the common exterior courtyard.