At Whatcom Community College (WCC) in Bellingham, WA, the need for on-campus housing went beyond mere bricks and mortar; it was an opportunity to cultivate a thriving community – a college student’s first home away from home that truly feels like it. Understanding that college can help replace lost support systems, our design team focused on the psychological needs of students as we developed Cedar Hall, WCC’s first student housing. We formed a progressive design-build team, funded by state bonds, comprising architects, designers, and contractors, collaborating with WCC leaders, the city, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Through workshops, surveys, and direct student feedback, we embraced the concept of “cultivating community” in our design to alleviate social isolation and homesickness that can be common with first-year students. Inside Cedar Hall, spontaneous interactions are encouraged. Lounge areas between stairways serve as natural study and co-working spaces, while the community room is versatile enough to host events, cooking classes, and clubs. Each unit is designed to balance privacy and communal living, with bedrooms that foster essential solitude yet draw students into shared amenities. Our design also honors WCC’s agricultural surroundings, with colors reflecting the changing seasons and materials that evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity. Polished concrete and blackened steel feature prominently, connecting Cedar Hall to its rich, natural context. This space is more than just housing; it’s a nurturing environment where students can grow, develop, and thrive together.