Many of The University of Washington’s on-campus student housing structures are decades old, desperately in need of revitalization. This update is vital for accommodating a growing student population and enhancing academic success. Mercer Court, a key component of this initiative, introduces 900 beds to a previously underutilized site at the campus's southwestern edge. Consisting of five buildings overlooking Portage Bay, Mercer Court was designed by Ankrom Moisan and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios to create a vibrant, community-focused environment. The team turned the challenge of a large excavation into an opportunity by constructing the largest stormwater cistern on a university campus, capturing rainwater for reuse in the laundry facility and saving an estimated 627,000 gallons of potable water annually. The layout celebrates bay views and maximizes natural light, with outward-flaring windows providing many rooms glimpses of the water. The design resembles an open hand, with four “fingers” extending toward the bay and a central plaza serving as a gathering space for events and a farmers’ market featuring produce from the site’s urban farm. Mercer Court’s architecture draws inspiration from its waterfront setting, with dark earth-tone clinker brick and large-scale metal cladding reflecting the ripples of the bay. Stacked and staggered massing mirrors the surrounding hills, creating a seamless transition between land and water. The development fosters dynamic opportunities for students to connect, build friendships, and embark on their collegiate journeys in an enriching environment.