Opened: January 2020Architects: HMC Architects and EYRC Architects
Visitors cannot miss Sicomoro Hall and Secoya Hall. They tower at the entrance of campus with their large windows that let you glimpse some of the activity inside, whether it be students doing laundry or socializing in a lounge. Within the two eight-story buildings that house 980 students combined, each floor is home to two communities made up of 35 students each. A nature-inspired theme flows through bedrooms, communal bathrooms, living rooms, and lounges. All are flooded in natural light, and much of the community lounge space is linked by open-air connections throughout the buildings. Some interior common spaces provide remarkable views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Chino Hills, and outdoor spaces are expansive, green, and welcoming. Designers took every opportunity inside and out to provide the most private space and communal space possible. The halls were built to LEED Gold standards, and they replace four residence halls built in the 1960s.
Students also enjoy Centerpointe, the new 650-seat dining commons next to the two new halls. It shares the same warm atmosphere as the housing community with its balance of private and shared space. There are options to dine in a small, private group or in a large group at a communal table. Both the halls and the dining commons bring a vibrant student community to an institution that was known primarily as a commuter campus. Additionally, this project won several awards in 2020: the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Inland California Design Award; the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) Design Award; the Engineering News-Record (ENR) California and Pacific Northwest, Excellence in Safety Award; the San Diego Green Building Council (SDGBC) LEED BD+C Citation Award; and the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) National Award of Merit.
— Camille Perlman