Responding to Urgent Need
Polly O’Meara Doyle Hall addresses a critical housing shortage at Santa Rosa Junior College, driven by regional wildfires and rising housing costs. The project delivers affordable, on-campus living that removes a key barrier to student success while supporting the college’s broader academic mission. Designed as a living-learning environment, it enables students to stay connected to campus resources and fully engage in daily campus life.
A Community Organized Around Shared Space
The 378-bed community is structured around a central outdoor commons that serves as the social heart of the project, complemented by a kitchen garden and patio that extend everyday activity outdoors. Within the five-story residence, each floor includes shared kitchens, study rooms, and living spaces, creating smaller residential communities within the larger building. At ground level, a multipurpose lounge and game room open directly to the Commons, reinforcing a strong connection between indoor and outdoor space.