“Are you ready to eat?” a student asks. Here at Woodlawn Dining Commons, culinary delights and community converge. This is more than just a place to eat. It’s a hub of student life at the University of Chicago.
Woodlawn Dining Commons is located on the University of Chicago’s south campus. It operates continuously. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Students with residential meal plans have access to Woodlawn Dining Commons. Vegan and vegetarian options abound here. If you’re trying to avoid gluten, Woodlawn Dining Commons has a dedicated station certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group. Dedicated Kosher and Zabiha Halal stations are also available. On weekends, you can enjoy fresh fruit, baked pastries, hot and cold cereal, and fair-trade coffee.
The University of Chicago partnered with Capstone to develop Woodlawn Commons. They wanted to enhance on-campus housing for college students. Woodlawn Commons is located between Woodlawn and University avenues. It is just north of 61st Street.
Woodlawn Residential Commons houses approximately 1,300 undergraduate students. It also houses resident staff. There are many amenities here. Lounges, study rooms, and outdoor spaces are available. The facility provides 11 Houses. These are residential communities of students. They foster close academic and social networks throughout a student’s time at the College.
Woodlawn Residential Commons provides single and double rooms. It also offers private apartments with kitchens and bathrooms. These are for students who want greater independence. Each three-floor House has common areas. These foster community and intellectual exchange. This is inherent to the College’s culture. Resident Deans live here too. They are faculty members who provide guidance and leadership to the staff and residents. Woodlawn Dining Commons has 25,000 square feet. It can seat 650 people.
Elkus Manfredi Architects designed Woodlawn Residential and Dining Commons. The building design features three six-story wings and one fifteen-story wing. It is a short walk from UChicago’s main quadrangle. A single-story amenities level serves all residents. The rooftop courtyard provides a tranquil space. Residents can unwind and reconnect with nature here.
The residential program includes eleven houses. Each house has 118 residents. Thirty percent of students are in singles. Thirty percent are in doubles. Forty percent are in four-bedroom apartments. Each house’s floor plans encourage interaction. Upperclassmen in apartments interact with underclassmen in the single and double accommodations.
The building’s configuration creates a welcoming courtyard. Verdant plantings and floor-to-ceiling glass are featured here. You can see the activity in the study spaces and dining common. The House system allows students to live, learn, and dine together. This fosters personal and intellectual growth.
Each House consists of three stacked 40-person floorplates. These contain a variety of single and double rooms for first- and second-year students. Private apartments with kitchens and bathrooms are available. These are for third- and fourth-year students.
The upper-level cladding uses lightweight, high-performance concrete panels. They are in groups of three stories. The limestone color and vertical proportions reference original UChicago buildings to the north.
Woodlawn Dining Commons was completed on time and on budget. It opened for the 2020-2021 academic year. It stands as a testament to the University of Chicago’s commitment to student life. It embodies the spirit of community and intellectual exchange. So, grab a plate, find a seat, and become a part of the Woodlawn Dining Commons story.