VCU West Grace Street North – Living Learning Community

The University sought an aesthetic that expresses VCU’s entrepreneurial culture and urban location, seamlessly blending contemporary and traditional elements. The design combines apartment and efficiency units with an international education center that can be easily reconfigured. The material selection—smooth and louvered metal panels, brick, cast stone, store-front glass— reflects an updated sense of permanence and durability. The project achieved a LEED Silver certification.

Building Function
The VCU West Grace Street Living Learning Community project consisted of the design and construction of a 5-story, mixed-use facility totaling approximately 146,500 square feet. The component of 140,500 square feet provided a minimum of 388 beds in a mix of:
> 4-bedroom apartments
> 2-bedroom double-occupancy apartments
> 2-bedroom single-occupancy apartments
> 1-bedroom apartments
> single-occupancy efficiencies

Each apartment includes a washer and dryer, a full kitchen and one or two bathrooms. Building features include 24- hour security, access to parking, and two outdoor courtyards with seating. Students have access to study lounges and community rooms on every floor, and the ground floor mixed-use component provides approximately 6,000 square feet of multi-purpose space for the Global Communities Living-Learning Center.

Building Systems
> Foundation System – Shallow Spread Footings
> 5 level structure of CIP topped hollow-core precast planks supported by structural light-gauge metal studs framing
> Exterior materials included curtainwall and storefront glazing, cast stone and brick veneer, composite metal panels and solar shades and cementitious siding
> Built-up asphalt roof
> MEP systems included high efficiency low emission boilers for domestic water supply, 16 seer heat pump units for each residential unit and DOA units providing fresh and ventilation air. Complete electrical system including emergency generator, fire alarm and security and access control was provided
> Fire Suppression included a complete NFPA 13 wet pipe sprinkler system along with a dry standpipe system
> Two hydraulic elevators were included

Living-Learning Program
VCU Globe is a global education living-learning community that prepares students to live and work in a 21st-century global environment. With VCU Globe, students expand their knowledge and impact as global citizens through the connection of coursework, co-curricular activities, and a vibrant residential experience. VCU Globe promotes a global living environment in which students in the program live with international students.

Living in VCU Globe
Living together in a common space with international from around the world is central to success as a student in Globe. Your intercultural competence will be enhanced as you take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to everyday situations – in your own, personal living environment.

VCU Globe students live in the center of campus in the West Grace North Residence Hall for two years. This all-inclusive living-learning environment, features apartment-style living, on-site classrooms, meeting and recreation space, common study areas and exceptional amenities. 

AMENITIES
> 24 hr Information Desk
> Coeducational
> Full kitchen / laundry / bathroom in unit
> Courtyard
> Community Lounges / Study Rooms
> Residence Hall Activities; Co-Curricular Programming