Columbia College

Opportunity: In its 100 year history, Columbia College has grown from a small commuter school to a nationally recognized arts and media college. To accommodate increasing student interest in on-site housing, Columbia purchased a building in Chicago’s historic Printer’s Row district for a new 700 bed student residence facility.

Solution:  The design connects the historically-significant ten-story Dwight Building with a new structure to the side and above. The exterior of the new, adjacent structure acknowledges the rhythm and proportion of the existing building, while establishing its own distinct, modern identity. The buildings are unified on the interior with common, connecting corridors and consistent floor plans throughout the structure. The building features an 11th floor “Sky Lounge” to accommodate informal student gathering and recreation.

Value:  The redevelopment of the Dwight Building and the adjacent property expands Columbia’s South Loop campus and furthers its long-standing role as a steward of Chicago’s architectural history. As the neighborhood’s largest landowner, Columbia’s investment in the Dwight Building also benefits the South Loop business economy by bringing more residents to the area.