Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) completed a bright and expansive space at Francis Hall for Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.

SCB continues its long partnership with Loyola University with the completion of Francis Hall, a new undergraduate residence hall located within the campus’ south residential district. The seven-story brick building is set back from Winthrop Avenue and features a curved glass façade that embraces a new plaza and public green space. The ground floor is separated into three distinct program zones; a café and lounge space open to all Loyola students; a new suite for the University’s Honors College, which includes faculty offices and a seminar room; and a large community kitchen, lounge, and multipurpose room for residents located beyond the main desk and secure point of entry for the residence hall. Floor-to-ceiling glass throughout the ground floor visually connects the indoors to the outdoors, while a large vertical operable glass door opens to seamlessly connect the two spaces and allow fresh air to flood the space in warmer months.

The 133,000-square-foot, 406-bed residence hall is comprised of double-occupancy, semi-suite units. Elevators open directly into each floor’s bright and daylit central shared social lounge and kitchen located in the glass curvature of the building. Placing these “living rooms” at the building’s most trafficked circulation point helps to build community amongst student residents. Quieter study-focused lounges are located at the northeast corner of each floor, providing views toward the academic core of campus and Lake Michigan. Francis Hall is LEED Gold.

Design: Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB)
Photography: Darris Lee Harris Photography