Cornish Commons

A Living Room for All Students

Cornish College of the Arts, a small liberal arts school in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood, was in need of housing for 300 students due to an expiring lease. Our team designed a striking 20-story high-rise that integrates student housing, academic spaces, and administrative offices, all completed within a tight 28-month timeline. This LEED® Gold for Homes Mid-Rise, known as Cornish Commons, was envisioned by President Nancy J. Uscher as the "heart" and "living room" of the campus, fostering a vibrant hub for students, faculty, and staff. Immersed in the campus culture, we designed interiors that reflect Cornish’s commitment to cross-disciplinary learning. Diverse studio spaces for music, painting, and study encourage collaboration among students from different artistic backgrounds. The bold colors, geometric patterns, and textured walls create an inspiring environment that promotes creativity and interaction. Thoughtful details enhance the residential experience and respond to the specific needs of certain students—bathtubs cater to dancers, and whiteboard paint invites artistic expression. The first floor features a welcoming reception area, lounge spaces, and a grand staircase that encourages social engagement, all framed by expansive double-height glass walls. Each residential unit offers stunning views and flexible layouts, allowing students to create personalized living spaces. At the top of the building, an expansive sky lounge includes a community kitchen, outdoor patio, fitness room, and performance studios, embodying the spirit of community and creativity that defines life at Cornish College of the Arts.

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Seattle, Washington
  • LEED BD+C Multifamily Midrise v3: LEED 2008
  • 224 units, 438 beds
  • 20 stories
  • 156,015 sq. ft.
  • Completed in 2015
  • AWARD WINNER

2015 Seattle DJC Building of The Year; 2016 Design Build Institute of America National Award of Excellence: Educational Facilities; 2016 Student Housing Business Innovator Awards: Best New On-Campus Development; 2016 Student Housing Business Innovator Awards: Most Creative Public/Private Financing; 2016 Student Housing Business Innovator Awards: Best Public/Private Partnership Development; 2016 Multifamily Executive Student Housing Project of The Year

PROGRAM

Learning Environments , Student Housing

PROJECT CONTACT

highered@ankrommoisan.com

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