Mortenson Construction Completes Second Phase of University of Northern Colorado West Campus Residence Hall Complex

Denver, CO – Mortenson Construction is pleased to announce the completion of the second phase of the University of Northern Colorado West Campus Residence Hall Complex.  The project recently opened to students in time for the start of the 2009 fall semester.  The first building opened in August 2008, and both phases of the $58 million, 723-bed student housing complex were completed with accolades from UNC students and staff.  

 “This complex complements our existing lineup of residence halls and combines to help set the standard in meeting the individual learning needs of the 21st century student,” said Jenna Finley, director of UNC’s Residence Life.  “As is the case with our other unique living spaces, the complex is operating at capacity. This fall, more than 3,200 students, or one in three undergraduates, live in our 17 residence halls.”

“It was imperative to have both phases of the project open in time for the arrival of students,” said Bob Hansen, Vice President and General Manager of Mortenson Construction, the design-builder for both phases of the project.  “In addition to serving the needs of student housing, the complex also serves as a new campus ‘gateway’ to the south entrance of the campus, so there was also an important element of student and university pride associated with the project, making its timely opening all the more important.”

Mortenson was joined by Davis Partnership Architects and Centerbrook Architects on the highly successful collaboration that provided a modern housing complex, providing many of the amenities and comforts any college student could want (the ultimate challenge for the project).

For example, the buildings’ exteriors “wrap” to enclose and define three major new outdoor recreational spaces and a several smaller outdoor plazas and patios for student use, events, and gatherings. The interiors include a variety of single and four-person suites with individual living rooms, bathroom and shower rooms.  Each wing includes a student lounge, kitchen, laundry, vending, recycling, and study room. Common first floor amenities include a central entry lobby and reception desks, open and enclosed lounges with adjoining outdoor patios, kitchens, game room, conference rooms, administrative space and apartments for hall directors and assistant directors.

Another major consideration and challenge was making the complex “work” with the rest of the campus.  The complex includes two buildings that were constructed to replace the 1960s-era McCowen Hall. These four-, five- and six-story buildings are stepped in height and massing to provide a transition in scale from the larger academic building to the north to the smaller existing dining hall to the west. This was an important aspect of design and construction efforts, as was the ability to incorporate traditional masonry and precast detailing, concrete tile pitched roofs and dormers, arched entries, and decorative accents, efforts that helped to extend the traditional campus architecture of the central campus.

“The entire team worked in unison, with the students’ comfort and university’s tradition and pride in mind,” said Hanson.  “The outcome is a successful student housing complex that everyone is very proud of.”