Living in the Green Prairie Living and Learning Community
Construction for the new Green Prairie Community began in December 2012. This new suite-style residence hall, located east of the Saddle Club Barn, will provide housing for 72 students beginning in Fall 2013. Residential life is fundamental to Morris as a residential public liberal arts college. The two-story residence hall is the first residence hall construction on campus since 1971. The need for additional housing reflects both the strong enrollment on the Morris campus and increased interest in on-campus housing.
Construction timeline:
December 2012 to August 2013
The Green Prairie Community will:
- Provide contemporary housing for 72 undergraduates within an engaged community.
- Support the Morris mission of preparing graduates to be global citizens who are civically engaged and effective stewards of their environment.
- Provide summer housing for students, researchers, conference, event participants, and engaged citizens in programs connected to Morris green initiatives and campus programs.
Time lapse video
Watch a time lapse video of the first two and a half months of construction on new Green Prairie Living and Learning Community.
Building Design »
Built partially into a hill at the northeast area of the campus historic district near the east campus entry, the Green Prairie’s architectural prairie school style with brick and stucco exterior, hip roofs, and long eaves reflects the signature features of the Morris historic buildings. The location features the pastoral landscape to the east. The facility includes four-person suites (with shared and single bedrooms), four floor lounges with kitchen facilities, a central lounge and patio, and study space.
Green Features »
The building is designed to meet Minnesota B3 sustainability guidelines and LEED Gold certification.
- Sited to maximize green design potential and connection to the prairie ecosystem.
- Powered, heated and cooled with renewable energy from the Morris campus’ onsite wind and biomass community-based energy systems.
- Constructed with high thermal mass insulated concrete forms (ICF) to prevent winter heat loss and summer heat gain.
- Designed with daylight views in all residential and public spaces.
- On site orchard, edible landscapes, and gardens.
- Abundant bike racks.
- Interior finishes support healthy air quality (i.e. Low VOC paints, coatings and carpet).
- Low-flow plumbing fixtures to conserve water.
- Enhanced building systems commissioning will ensure measure energy use and ensure optimal systems function.
- Green Prairie programs including a green education program; community meals with foods from onsite gardens and other local sustainable sources; and more.
Project Team »
Architect: LHB, Inc., Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota. LHB is a multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, and planning firm dedicated to being environmentally responsible, reducing long-term operating costs, and improving the quality of life for its clients. Their university clients include Carleton College, Saint John’s University, and the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
General Contractor: McGough Construction, Saint Cloud and Saint Paul, Minnesota. With a five-decade-plus history of excellence in planning, development, construction, and facilities management, McGough has extensive experience with “green” construction and knowledge of sustainable building practices and products. Their university clients include the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Carleton College, Saint Catherine’s University, Macalester College, and the University of Saint Thomas.