Emmitsburg, MD

Completion: 2007
Size: 60,000 GSF
Cost: $8,200,000 estimated

Ayers/Saint/Gross was asked to provide Mount St. Mary’s with a 180 bed residence hall. These beds are needed initially to serve as swing space so that a historic residence hall can be emptied to allow for its comprehensive renovation. In addition MSM’s enrollment is increasing resulting in greater demand for on-campus housing. The residence hall will be composed of 3 and 4 stories. Most units are 3 or 4 bedroom suites containing 3 or 4 single bedrooms, 1 bath and a common area. A few units offer a double bedroom with 1 bath. The ground floor will have a central lounge, laundry, study areas, and control desk. The upper levels will have a mix of common and community building spaces.

The siting is in accordance with Ayers/Saint/Gross’s Final Master Plan. The chosen site was selected for its proximity to the main campus and for the dual purpose this housing will serve. During the school year these halls will be filled with full-time students. In the summer, or if demand ever decreases during the school year, these rooms will be offered to those enrolled in special programs.

This residence hall concept will serve multiple goals. It will provide an alternative living environment that is not currently offered on campus. Being at the edge of campus residents will feel connected to the main campus and yet a little more independent. This will be good responsibility training for life after college. The scale and architectural expression will be sensitive to the adjacent rural residential neighborhood. In addition, this approach will be in harmony with the site’s natural setting which includes woodlands and a stream.