Cornell College understood an expanded and refreshed Student Commons was key to fulfilling student expectations and enhancing prospective student recruitment in a thoughtful, pragmatic, and impactful way.

OPN Architects served as the local Architect-of-Record to help make the College’s vision a reality, alongside design architects KSS Architects.

Scope included a new façade, a revised and expanded dining area for students, and more classroom space, adding approximately 9,500 square feet to the building. The renovated Thomas Commons hosts a diverse mix of programmatic functions and services, including: café-style dining with informal, mixed, and comfortable seating; high-tech and flexible classrooms with movable furniture support both lectures and seminars; a central one-stop-shop for all academic support materials, pride-wear, and technology tools; a student gathering and activity space with casual seating areas and lounge spaces; student services offices and meeting spaces for key student-focused services, including a workroom for resident assistants, a student activity center and game room, a mail area, copy center, offices for student government and organizations, and a lounge.