When McKendree University selected Mackey Mitchell to design their new housing project for 200 students, they specifically asked us to deliver the “Wow!” factor.  While the two three-story housing wings are based on existing campus buildings, it’s the link between the two wings, with its glass-fronted lounge, pavilion, and stair tower that makes a dynamic first impression.  Connecting the idea of architecture with McKendree’s reputation for graduating musical talent, the client and architects refer to the entry as “the Jazz,” whose contemporary, glass, stone and brick design complements the Mackey Mitchell designed Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (2006) which hosts nationally known performers in drama and music.

Kick-off for the design of the student housing project took place in May, 2010, with scheduled completion by August, 2011. According to university president Dr. James Dennis, “A steady increase in campus enrollment and retention, including the largest first-year classes in our history, necessitates this expansion and upgrade to our residence halls.”