Faced with an urgent need for more student housing, Cornish College of the Arts, a small private liberal arts institution in Seattle’s vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood asked our team to design a new student housing building. We delivered with Cornish Commons, a striking 20-story high-rise that combines student housing, academic facilities, and offices, all delivered within an ambitious 28-month timeline. Through close collaboration with the owner, developer, and contractor, we streamlined the process to reduce costs and meet project goals. This new LEED® Gold for Homes Mid-Rise live/learn center accommodates 438 students from Cornish and the neighboring City University of Seattle within a compact 9,000 square foot footprint. Cornish Commons embodies the college's spirit, designed to create "an intellectual icon for Seattle." The building transforms a parking lot into a vibrant campus space, with a brightly colored south wall symbolizing dance and movement, while the exterior reflects the rhythm of sheet music. It provides high-end residential amenities and promotes community improvement compared to previous housing options. Certified under LEED® for Homes Mid-Rise, Cornish Commons prioritizes indoor air quality and resource efficiency for a comfortable living environment. As the first ground-up project for Cornish since 1921, this public/private partnership is a landmark addition to the Seattle skyline, achieving programmatic and scheduling goals while enhancing the college's identity.