West Grace Student Housing, Richmond, VA

West Grace Student Housing

Location Richmond, VA Client Virginia Commonwealth University Status Completed 2012 Program 122-unit, 161,000-sf student living with 459 beds Sustainability LEED-NC Silver Certified (Housing)
LEED-NC Gold Certified (Garage & Retail)

The design is a very thoughtful insertion into the urban fabric being sensitive to the Monroe Park Historic District's scale, proportions, rhythms and textures while creating a contextually responsive architecture. WDG's design solution divides the building into various masses with "towers" and a "corner building" that shapes the larger building into smaller components that are more compatible with the surrounding historic buildings.

The building's entrance is noted with a sculptural steel and glass trellis, adding a classic academic "front porch" to the University's urban environment. The entrance sequence focuses on the building's two courtyard gardens created by the building's E-shape. The lobby has a fireplace where students gather. The east courtyard is for active activities with open space. The west courtyard is for passive activities with an outdoor fireplace and seating.

The residential units include 164 double bedrooms and 120 single bedrooms. Amenities include 7,000-sf of residential floor lounges (19 study lounges and 12 social lounges), and 12,000-sf of classroom space on the first level.

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