Saunders Construction, 4240 Architecture kick off CSU student housing project

Saunders Construction Inc. in conjunction with 4240 Architecture Inc. were awarded the design and construction for Meridian Village, one of Colorado State University’s largest projects to date. Located on CSU’s main campus, the new residential village will be located just north of Canvas Stadium and southwest of Lory Student Center. At full build-out, Meridian Village will accommodate 1,600 students in both traditional and pod communities to continue to support student success and engagement.

The team completed a dynamic seven-month programming effort and will continue to work closely with CSU Facilities Management and Housing & Dining Services to bring the project to life. Both Saunders and 4240 have deep experience within the residential and higher education sectors. Saunders has previous experience on CSU’s campus with the Lory Student Center renovation and the Student Recreation Center renovation, while 4240 has designed over 4,000 student beds and more than 15 projects for CSU, including Laurel Village, Aggie Village, Durrell Center and the recently completed Warner College of Natural Resources Michael Smith Addition.

“Saunders couldn’t be more excited to continue our relationship with CSU,” said Tom Alford, vice president of Saunders Construction. “The opportunity to be a part of this amazing project and help create a world-class student environment is tremendously gratifying.”

“We have an opportunity and responsibility to create a home for each student that chooses CSU as their academic institution,” said Lou Bieker, principal at 4240 Architecture. “An opportunity to design a vibrant residential village that provides the comforts of home, the community support of a village and the setting to inspire and promote well-being for all.”

Housing & Dining Services is planning for the future through this new project – accommodating first-year and returning students. Phase I will include three residential buildings that will house approximately 1,100 students. Construction also will include off-site utility and road improvement work. Meridian Village will accommodate housing capacity needs for all first-year students who are required to live on-campus; allow for greater accommodation of returning students; accommodate additional dining capacity centered around students’ desired dining experience and fresh new concepts (planned for Phase II).

The project will be designed around intentional neighborhood creation to promote sustainability as well as occupant health and wellness.

As a two-phase project, Meridian Village will start on the now vacant site of Aylesworth Hall, the former 1950s-era residence hall. Aylesworth was deconstructed over three months this past summer, with materials separated, recycled and removed. Construction operations on underground systems will continue while the team works together on the design of the new space.