WestEast designed Texas A&M-San Antonio Housing II to address a rapidly growing student housing demand. Doubling on campus capacity, the hall includes 322 beds in a mix of four-bed/double occupancy and two-bed/single occupancy suites, along with a staff apartment. Each floor will feature laundry, trash rooms, and common areas for study and relaxation. The 4,000 SF lobby will contain a lounge, offices, restrooms, mailboxes, reception, and a large conference space.

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The design balances key objectives, including aligning with pedestrian paths to the main campus artery and future parking, while reflecting the existing campus architecture. It follows traditional design principles—defined mass, clear program, material hierarchy, and social spaces—while maintaining a simplified, contemporary expression that is both economical and consistent with the existing Housing 1 adjacent.

Student suites are designed for comfort but with durability and maintenance in mind. Acoustics between floors and from corridors are minimized by the selection of materials and construction of interior partition systems. The suites are designed to endure a temporary energetic living environment for 2 to 4 students in each share-bath suite. Each suite will have access to natural light through an exterior fixed window.

With a tight budget and lingering supply chain uncertainties post-COVID-19, the project adopted efficient, market-style, stick-built apartment construction. Partnering with Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, we completed a GMP package one Board of Regents quarterly meeting earlier than required to ensure delivery by the Fall of 2024. WestEast worked with Bartlett Cocke's internal housing team to ensure the detailing and document format would encourage market apartment subcontractor participation.

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Housing II was completed on time and within budget, providing student accommodations along with new parking and a pedestrian bridge. These additions connect the residence to the campus via an extended main pedestrian corridor, establishing a foundation for the campus's growing residential district.

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