Vanderbilt University / The Commons Center, Nashville TN
Construction cost: $25,000,000 ($26,360,000 in current dollars)
Completed: 2007, Size: 115,000 sf

The new LEED Gold Certified Commons Center is part of Vanderbilt University's undergraduate "living-learning initiative", supporting a community of ten college houses. The program includes a 600-seat main dining hall, servery and production facility; lounges, meeting rooms, administrative offices, and academic support center; a post office, fitness facility, and 24-hour cafe.

The building carefully balances contemporary and classical design; its modern forms and composition use materials that reflect the existing brick and stone of the neighboring structures, including a National Register collection of Classical Revival 1920s buildings.

The design maximizes daylighting and passive shading and uses skylights, sun-tracking shades and switches, and eco-sensitive fireplaces. Water-efficient design saves an estimated 900,000 gallons of potable water annually. Other green features include waste grease collection and an outdoor composting facility.

2010   Urban Land Institute / ULI Nashville – Excellence in Development Award
2008   Association of College Unions International – Facility Design of Excellence Award
2008   American School & University – Outstanding Project Award, Educational Interiors
2008   College Planning & Management – Green Design Award: Judges' Choice
2008   U.S. Green Building Council – Green Star Award
2007   Associated Builders & Contractors of Tennessee – Award of Excellence and Design