University of St. Thomas - Anderson Student Center

With a focus on energy, utilization and flow, and the provision of a destination facility that celebrates the values and culture of St. Thomas, the new Anderson Student Center provides the “glue” that binds the campus, engages the whole University of St. Thomas community, and establishes St. Thomas as the University of choice amongst their competition.

Located in the heart of the University of St Thomas’ St Paul campus, on historic Summit Avenue, this four-story student center is a gathering place to unit the north and south campuses, establishing a new physical identity and front door for the University.

The building was designed to embrace the strong Collegiate Gothic architecture that is the iconic image of the campus.  The two wings of the L-shaped student center face Summit and Cretin Avenues.  There are two primary entrances, one facing Summit Avenue and the other facing an expanded lower quadrangle.  A dramatic four-story atrium, over-looking the quad, is the building’s hub and “living room” to the University. 

The exterior is composed of the distinctive Kasota stone used thought the campus with cast-stone detailing framing windows, door openings and accenting parapets. A steep clay tile roof caps the building and reinforces the historic character of the building. The new center houses student services and organizations, large meeting and multi-purpose rooms, two major dining facilities, student recreation areas and a campus store.  Many sustainable strategies have been incorporated in the building design that enhance energy efficiency, conservation efforts and  the quality of the indoor environment. The student center is seeking LEED Silver certification.