Eugene, Oregon
Two new residence halls opened in the heart of the University of Oregon’s campus in August 2023. Temporarily named Building B and Building C, they replaced Walton Hall, which housed students for over 60 years. Walton was built in the late 1950s in response to an increase in baby boom enrollment after World War II. Now, students can enjoy living in the same optimal campus location with modern living spaces that are better suited for opportunities to develop connections and community.
Building B is configured like a pinwheel: Community lounge space is at the center, with residential floors extending from it. The building has six floors and can house between 700 and 900 students in a mix of double and triple rooms with attached bathrooms and showers. There is a community kitchen, service center, and package delivery hub on the ground floor, as well as spaces for Academic Residential Communities. There are also apartments for the community director and for faculty-in-residence on this floor. Every floor has laundry facilities, private and group study rooms, and community lounge space with exceptional views of campus.
Building C has five floors and can house around 400 students in apartment-style units. Intended for returning sophomores, juniors, or seniors, it offers micro studios for those who want to live alone or quad units for those who want roommates. Each unit includes private bathrooms and a kitchen. The building also has music practice rooms, and, like Building B, it has laundry facilities, private and group study rooms, and community lounge space on every floor. Michael Griffel, director of housing and associate vice president for student services and enrollment management, notes that students living here have indicated how much they enjoy the combination of more independent living with the central campus location. They appreciate the short walks to class and having other campus resources like the student health center and the student union nearby.
Combined, the two buildings offer 301,250 square feet of living space, and both provide excellent views of Hayward Field, where the campus hosts track meets which are popular with students. The University of Oregon Board of Trustees is expected to name the buildings during the 2024-25 academic year. —Camille Perlman
Spotlight is your chance to show off recent construction or renovation projects. Member institutions and architects are encouraged to share details about hall features, related programs, and how they connect to the overall housing mission as well as photographs of the completed building. Share your success stories.