Traditional garments, elegant gowns, and out-of-this-world ou…
At the Bates Trashion Show, one person’s trash is not just another’s treasure, but perhaps even another’s trend.
A vital residential life has always been an important part of the Bates experience. New student housing will create a vibrant community, relieve overcrowded existing residences, and be a visible and welcoming new presence along Campus Avenue. The new housing will be built across Campus Avenue from Chase Hall in two 4-story buildings on the two blocks between Central Avenue and Bardwell Street. Locating the housing across from the Campus Center extends the pattern of distributing housing around the campus and ensures that the future Campus Center in Chase will be energized by a significant nearby student population.
Campus Avenue is seen as a “porous” border to campus, encouraging neighbors and the community to visit and use the campus. The new residential complex will house 230-260 students and a retail commons consisting of the campus store and Post & Print functions. Located at the seam between the campus and the surrounding community, the new complex and grounds will present a prominent entrance and gateway to the College.
Rain gardens, a form of storm water mitigation, can be visually attractive and also used as a visible educational tool for sustainable practices. Seating walls, paved terraces with informal seating, and green spaces for passive and active uses are also key components of the site and landscape design.
Locating the Retail Commons functions on the ground floor of 65 Campus Avenue presents a unique opportunity to locate the shared commons for the residents on the top floor of the building. Large windows with panoramic views, an exposed ceiling and casual furnishings will create a new type of student space that is unique on Bates’ campus.