University of La Verne, Citrus Hall & The Spot Dining Hall La Verne, California
Citrus Hall, the new University of La Verne residence and dining hall facility, creates unique student-success-driven living and academic experiences for freshman students on campus.
Location
La Verne, California
Sector
Education
Service
Architecture
Client
University of La Verne
Status
Completed
Size
112,000 SF; 400 beds
With an eye on recruitment and retention, the University of La Verne looked to Steinberg Hart to design a new campus quad, envisioned as a hub of student activity and student life. Linking the campus center and Vista La Verne housing, it offers the first dining facility on campus and a large open green space for interaction and community. On the ground floor, access to the housing spaces includes an open and inviting entry with a large social lounge and recreation activities and a communal kitchen for student use.
Working with a 1:32 RA to student ratio, these freshmen get the attention and support needed to be successful and engaged within the housing community and the campus community. Each RA cluster includes a distinct “wing” within the building. These clusters each have a social hub for TV viewing, study, and hang-out space. Additionally, each floor has two dedicated study rooms and a central two-story social lounge for cross-floor community connections.
The Spot Dining Hall is the ground floor anchor to the residences above, creating links from the new student life core back towards the academic core. It accommodates all of the residential students and provides a space for connection and rest for commuter students, staff, and faculty. The expanded dining hall gives the university additional options for fresh, healthy, ready-made food and a more collaborative dining experience. Access to an adjacent outdoor patio that is also conveniently located next to existing student housing further brings together these student communities.
