Auburn University South Donahue Residence Hall, Wellness Kitchen and Parking Deck

Auburn, Alabama

Size: 264,000 sf, 400+ beds(dorm); 13,170 sf (wellness kitchen)
Project Awards: ASLA AL 2015 Honor Award, AS&U Architectural Portfolio Outstanding Design 2014, ABC Excellence in Construction Merit Award 2014

Auburn University’s South Donahue Residence Hall houses co-ed students in near luxury accommodations compared to traditional campus housing and sets a new precedent for on-campus living. The six-story facility is centrally located on the former 100-bed Sewell Residence Hall site, which was demolished to make room for the new 418-bed residential building. Amenities include a Game-Day Lounge, central courtyard for outdoor recreation and living space, with a majority of the residence hall comprising two-bedroom/two-bath and four-bedroom/two-bath suites, in addition to single-room suites for resident staff. Students are able to feel more at home in the apartment-style setting, as opposed to a typical college dorm room, with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, pre-mounted flat screen TVs and an inviting living room space already in place upon move in. South Donahue Residence Hall houses several members of the Tigers’ football, baseball, basketball, softball, swimming and other sports teams; however, NCAA regulations require at least 51 percent of the units be occupied by the general student population. By fostering an environment that encourages students to interact, not only are athletes able to build and maintain team camaraderie, but to do so without feeling isolated from the overall college experience. The Wellness Kitchen is a modern concept offering healthy, on-campus dining with all-you-care-to-eat and allergy-free options. Students have the opportunity to build their meals or have them prepared at one of several chef stations. A registered dietitian assists student-athletes with menu choices to prepare for and recover from competition and training, including meals that help decrease the risk of injuries, support immune systems and promote overall wellness for peak physical condition. The design incorporates the Auburn Spirit without being overwhelming or brash, with warm, neutral colors and interior finishes. Natural wood and stone finishes are accented by the clean lines of the white tile and stainless steel surfaces, with exposed wooden trusses supporting the high-curved roof. The elevated outdoor dining terrace and large interior windows provide open views of Plainsman Park and Jordan-Hare Stadium, adding to the overall aesthetic. The Wellness Kitchen incorporates energy efficient and sustainable materials to LEED-like standards, making it one of the most sustainable facilities on campus. Completion of the facility coincided with the Parkerson Mill Creek restoration project, which entailed widening floodplains, cleaning out the stream, seeding and landscaping the surrounding grounds and adding an outdoor classroom, further emphasizing the University’s commitment to sustainability. A separate three-level parking deck with capacity for 550+ cars was constructed across the street from the dorms.

Scope of Services
Architecture
Engineering
Environmental
Interior Design
Landscape
Planning
Surveying