Campus Lofts, LLC, commissioned an architect in 2019 to design a new dormitory bordering the YSU campus. It contains 201 beds in a combination of singles, doubles, and 3-4 person suites from the ground floor through the 3rd, with lofts on the 4th and 5th floors. The ground floor contains an entry lobby, gathering space, leasing office, exercise room, and an exterior U-shaped courtyard.
This 102,598-sf project is located at the southeast corner of Wick and Rayen Avenues, across from the Main Public Library of Youngstown/Mahoning County.
This wood-framed construction and exterior features a black masonry veneer base, a black EIFS entry canopy, and vertical plane support for \”LOFTS\” building signage. Windows are appropriately sized for public, semi-public, semi-private, and private spaces behind them. The alternating white, red, black, and gray Hardie siding, masonry, and EIFS panels display the YSU colors of red, white, and black, with gray as a neutral contrast. The colors, forms, and planes further articulate the facades of formal urban \”blocks\” very purposefully scaled to recall proportions of row houses found worldwide from the 17th Century to now.
The primary challenge evolved during construction when budget and supply chain issues created by Covid threatened the completion of the project – required occupancy Fall of 2021.
