University of Utah Carolyn And Kem Gardner Commons
Salt Lake City, UT
The historical Orson Spencer Hall opened in 1955 and housed the largest college at the University of Utah: the College of Social and Behavioral Science. The high-profile two-story building was the largest classroom building on campus at one time. However, it needed to be redeveloped to fit the needs of 21st-century learning and modern codes in the case of a seismic event. The five-story Gardner Commons is the University of Utah’s largest undergraduate academic building, with 35 classrooms, collaborative space, research space, and faculty offices. The commons is also home to the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, 15 Departments and Institutes (including the Hinckley Institute of Politics), a consolidated center for Student Advising, the University Welcome Center, and a 150-seat Café/Study zone with four food venues and integrated study lounge seating. The Commons name is inspired by a higher mission to build a strong student community and increase student retention and graduation rates. Awarded: 2018 Most Outstanding Specialty Contracting Project Award (Utah Construction & Design).
