• Kaneko Commons Home

Background
The $17 million Kaneko Commons project included a 151 bed addition to the old Kaneko Hall, and features suites and apartments for upper-class students. The new community also includes an enlarged dining facility in a four-story atrium and high quality meeting and activity spaces. In support of the Kaneko Commons project, Tokyo International University of America (TIUA) made a major financial contribution to Willamette University in 2003.

Housing
The development of the Kaneko Commons, and three future commons projects, will distinguish Willamette from other universities in the West. In total, the Kaneko Commons features nine different student housing options including singles, doubles, suites and apartments. All newly constructed units include air-conditioning, private bathrooms and spacious, fully-furnished floor plans.

Programming
The social culture of Kaneko Commons might represent the most exciting change to student life. Unlike traditional residential housing found at Willamette (and elsewhere), the Kaneko Commons is distinguished by flexible, graduated housing arrangements, self-governance, a substantial faculty presence, and expanded learning opportunities for students outside of the classroom (lectures, film series, service learning opportunities and other activities). Connecting the curricular and co-curricular lives of Willamette students, the Kaneko Commons has created a program of distinction that promotes active student involvement in the commons, University and greater-Salem area.

Dining
The Kaneko Commons includes several two- and four-bedroom apartments with kitchen facilities, two “community kitchens” and an enlarged food service kitchen and dining facility. Housed in a centrally located, four-story atrium, the new dining facility is the architectural focal point and social capital for the life of the commons.

Amenities
The Kaneko Commons includes several interior and exterior spaces to accommodate individual and group social and learning activities. These include balconies, study rooms, classrooms, multi-purpose areas, television lounges, and laundry facilities. These spaces, all centrally located, are the “physical” connection between the existing Kaneko Hall and the newly constructed housing.

Sustainability
With the construction of the Kaneko Commons, the University has reinforced its commitment to sustainability. As a LEED Gold certified project, the Kaneko Commons features water source heat pumps, a rainwater reclamation reservoir and solar hot water heating. In addition, photovoltaic panels not only augment the electricity supply for the building, but also serve as shading devices for residential units and the atrium.

By the Numbers [projected]

Design Architects – Zimmer Gunsul Frasca
Contractor – Hoffman Construction
Structural – Degenkolb Engineers
Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Engineers – PAE Engineers