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Creativity and Innovation District Living-Learning Program Residence Hall

Creativity and Innovation District residence hall.

Project Background


Anchoring the initial development of the Creativity and Innovation District is a 232,000 gross-square-foot residence hall. The residence hall is located next to the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown between Kent and Otey streets.

The residence hall opened in August 2021. It offers housing for approximately 600 students and various academic, social, research, and collaboration spaces. Students living in the Creativity and Innovation District Living-Learning Program have opportunities to be involved in three living-learning communities for the arts and entrepreneurship. Student athletes also may live in the facility.

The three living-learning communities, Studio 72Innovate, and Rhizome, give students the opportunity to connect their academic and co-curricular experiences. Additionally, students can attend programming and events through the Faculty Principal, Dr. Tim Baird, and access physical amenities located in the building.


About the Creativity and Innovation District

The Creativity and Innovation District Living-Learning Program on the eastern edge of campus cultivates a community of creation and innovation. The district will make the most of existing programs and facilities already in the area, including:

Several of the buildings will retain their traditional functions while providing additional spaces that foster creativity and innovation. The Media Building and the Media Building Annex will be allocated to the district. Communications and Marketing personnel in those buildings have relocated to the University Gateway Center to accommodate the expansion.

Additional Project Details

New construction:
232,000 gross square feet

Design/build: Builder - W. M. Jordan Company; Architect - Hanbury; Criteria Consultant Architect - VMDO Architects P.C.

Sustainable features: Environmentally friendly building components include energy-efficient HVAC systems and windows, water-efficient plumbing, refillable water bottle stations, and building materials secured through sustainable procurement practices. The Creativity and Innovation District Living-Learning Program is on track to receive LEED Silver Certification.

Contacts, questions:
Project Manager: Paul O'Keef
Media: Mark Owczarski

Building mailing address:
Student’s full name
Creativity and Innovation District Residence Hall, Rm XXXX
185 Kent Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Project Updates

See more photos and information about CID LLC on social media:

Project Doodle

Exterior construction at Creativity and Innovation District doodle.
Creativity and Innovation District residence hall construction. Doodle by Steven White of Virginia Tech (September 2020).