Wells Commons occupies a prime campus location. It is on a major student pathway, adjacent to varsity and recreational athletic facilities, and convenient to public automobile access. The design – a renovation and addition – solves the existing building’s problems of poor internal circulation and limited connections to outdoor space.

An addition to the north side of the building provides dedicated access to the first floor dining hall and a separate lobby/entrance for the renovated and expanded second floor conference facility. The straight-forward brick architectural expression of the existing building was used as a backdrop for the glass and zinc addition. Another glazed, open space was added outside the second-floor conference meeting rooms. This space provides views to the campus and athletic facilities.

To further solve circulation and outdoor connection problems, existing grade changes were removed at the ground level. This was done by adding a large, multi-restaurant retail food operation with connections to outdoor dining and event space. In response to a survey of student behavior and preferences, a campus market and retail bakery are zoned for late-night operations.