Located in downtown Tucson, The Cadence serves as a vibrant “public gateway” into the city, offering University of Arizona students a unique blend of college life and urban living. This innovative project enhances the student experience with luxury amenities, including a pool area with an outdoor movie projector, a video game room, and multiple fire pits, fostering community engagement. Our multidisciplinary team developed a design that responds to the site’s context. The Cadence transforms a former parking garage and dirt lot into a mixed-use complex with two distinct buildings flanking a main thoroughfare, enriching the area with new retail and community spaces. Positioned prominently on a corner, the complex features a welcoming “Welcome to Tucson” sign at its base, while a tall vertical structure captures the gaze and directs it toward downtown. The design balances grit and polish, rustic charm and refined sophistication, using raw materials on the exterior to reflect Tucson's character, while polished interiors create an inviting atmosphere. In collaboration with the city, we enhanced pedestrian safety by adding crosswalks and creating a retail plaza that slows traffic and encourages foot traffic. The two buildings each offer unique experiences while sharing a cohesive design language. The Greyhound building encourages social interaction, featuring units designed for 3-5 roommates, while the Railyard building offers quieter studios and one-bedroom apartments with rooftop views and a fire pit. At the heart of The Cadence is a communal Living Room, centered around a double-sided fireplace. Large garage doors open to a courtyard within the Greyhound building, creating a vibrant gathering space for swimming, barbecuing, and watching movies together. To ensure a peaceful living environment, we incorporated extensive sound dampening, considering the proximity to a freight train line. Central to the community is the Living Room, with a double-sided fireplace and large garage doors opening to a courtyard for gatherings. Security is prioritized with a 24/7 concierge, limited access points, and a public entry with a security desk. The Cadence sets a new standard for student living, fostering a strong sense of community in the heart of Tucson.