Campus Village Apartments, Phase I, is the first student housing built adjacent to the 35,000-student Auraria Campus in Downtown Denver. The project is a joint venture between a private developer and the C.U. Real Estate Foundation. The site is adjacent to the western edge of the campus and activates a once undefined and unwelcome edge. Nearby is a maze of urban viaducts, heavy and light rail lines, stations and roads.
The heart of the project is a central courtyard defined by 3-story wood-clad ‘fingers’ and bright colors. This contrasts with a 4-story masonry and metal exterior surrounding the perimeter. This configuration creates serene, protected courtyards for the students to gather or study. These areas have special plantings to reflect Colorado including native grasses and aspen trees. A small grass area provides a space for lounging and playing.
This project has apartment-style units with studio, 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units. One wing is dedicated to freshman containing 2-bedroom double occupancy units with limited kitchens. Multiple common areas that foster student life are distributed throughout including informal lounges, meeting rooms, workout room, laundry room and gathering spaces. A café and convenience store is located at the entrance for use by the students. This creates a focal point and entry beacon for the project from the street.
Client: Urban Ventures and CU Real Estate Foundation
Type: Student Housing
Data: 695 beds, 230 units, approx. 250,000 sf
Cost: $31 million
Date: Completed 2007