Ross Commons (Photo courtesy of Tai Soo Kim Partners, Architects)
Ross Dining (Photo courtesy of Tai Soo Kim Partners, Architects)
Construction of Ross Commons was completed for the start of the Fall 2002 semester and the new commons building and LaForce Hall dormitory were dedicated on September 13, 2002. The following description of the project was written by the project architect, Tai Soo Kim Partners in March 2000.
These new buildings will provide a sense of focus and a center for the Ross Commons. The dormitory will provide 67 new bedrooms in suites of four and single rooms. This building, which is five stories tall, lies along Route 125 at the Southern edge of the site.
The commons building contains a variety of program spaces, but primarily provides a kitchen and dining room for up to 300 and offices for the Dean, Commons Associate and their support staff. This building is placed at the West edge of the site and will offer magnificent views over the valley and the distant mountains.
The buildings have been designed to complement and enhance the Middlebury campus. The materials of granite and metal roofing should appear quite familiar to visitors as similar to the other campus buildings and large farm buildings often seen around the state. The aluminum windows will be colored to be harmonious with these materials. The buildings have been sited in a manner consistent with the goals of the college's master plan. Placing the buildings to the Southwest leaves an open view corridor to the West for Pearsons Hall on the top of the hill. When viewed from Blinn Lane, the existing densely planted border will obscure the view to the new buildings from most vantage-points. The commons building is two stories on the West side and its curving roof presents a gentle face to the West. When approaching the project along Route 125, the buildings should appear consistent with other building on campus.
In keeping with the College's overall concern for environmentally sensitive design and energy conservation, the new buildings will be designed to take advantage of local sustainable sources of material supply and will be constructed with a high degree of energy efficiency.
The landscape design for the site will produce a large open space between the buildings at the mid-point of the hill. Paths have been provided along the main routes of circulation and will allow access by fire vehicles. Plantings will be very similar to other places on campus. The area between the dormitory and Route 125 is seen as a primary face for the campus and will be landscaped accordingly. Access to other parts of campus will be similar to what occurs currently except that handicap access will be much improved. A pedestrian walk will be developed across Route 125 to provide connection to the South side of campus.
In addition to the new construction designed by Tai Soo Kim Partners, the former Ross Lounge was converted into student housing. 18 beds contained within 5 suites were completed for the Fall '01 term. Suites containing eight beds in the Ross Tower, taken off-line during the renovation, were returned to housing for the Fall '01 term.
Interior views of Ross townhouse suite
