A vibrant hub for student life that connects campus living with city energy.
University of Cincinnati Marian Spencer Hall is a ground-up academic housing project in Cincinnati, Ohio. EHDD served as design architect through design development, with GBBN acting as architect of record through construction. Delivered via Construction Manager at Risk, the 112,600-square-foot facility provides 328 beds and houses a major dining hall and student life services.
Marian Spencer Hall is designed to support a strong sense of community while celebrating its urban setting. Public spaces are positioned to offer expansive views of the city, with glass used strategically to draw students into lounges, kitchens, and dining areas. Flexible communal zones throughout the residential floors encourage a range of activities—from group study to quiet relaxation.
The dining hall, shared by several neighboring residence halls, acts as a central gathering place and anchors the building as a social hub for the wider campus. The project also activates pedestrian pathways outside and supports continuous student engagement through its integration of student life programming.
Certified LEED Silver and recipient of a 2019 AIA Pittsburgh Certificate of Merit, Marian Spencer Hall models inclusive, wellness-forward design that enhances students’ daily experiences—both inside and beyond the classroom.