The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, Vanderbilt University

As one of the largest construction projects in the history of Vanderbilt University’s campus, strategic leadership and master planning were key components of achieving the vision for “The Commons.” Home to Vanderbilt’s entire freshman class, The Commons is positioned within the historic Peabody College and is a seamless extension thereof. The exterior design of the new buildings incorporated brick, stone, and windows successfully married the existing neo-classical design. Leadership and directive planning resulted in a phased delivery process, with buildings being delivered within budget and ahead of schedule—an outcome that increased revenue for the university. The 300,000SF project includes 10 residential houses, a dining center, support facilities and an entirely new campus utility infrastructure. Five new residential houses achieved LEED Gold Certification with two achieving LEED Silver. An award-winning project, Baird’s work at Vanderbilt University’s Martha Rivers Ingram Commons received national media coverage. The newly constructed buildings exist perfectly in context with the surrounding campus, so much so that returning alumnae can hardly distinguish the old from the new.