The Village, Wofford College’s apartment-style housing for its senior students, has been received a number of national recognitions.
In July 2008, The Village was named as the top “Dorm of Distinction” in its category by University Business Magazine, a national publication.
This was the second national honor for The Village, designed by McMillan Smith & Partners Architects, PLLC, of Spartanburg. In October 2007, the complex was recognized nationally in the 27th Annual Builder’s Choice Design & Planning Awards presented by Builder magazine.
Wofford was chosen for University Business’ “Dorms of Distinction” honor for its ability to meet the needs of today’s student including:
- Making students feel at home
- Helping keep students and their belongings safe
- Incorporating green elements in an aesthetically pleasing way
- Fostering a sense of community through interior and/or exterior spaces
“McMillan Smith & Partners worked closely with Wofford toward a mutual goal – the creation of a stimulating and highly anticipated senior year experience for students,” says Ron Smith, managing principal with the firm. “The urban village environment creates a sense of community that engages immediately, creates a positive experience, and reinforces the student-to-college relationship.” The Village is designed to provide a sense of community built around interesting residential architecture, front porches, bicycle and pedestrian-friendly streets, shops, outdoor recreation, and “hang out places.” It’s the “new urban” kind of place that Richard Florida has described in his series of books, most recently “Cities and the Creative Class,” where the three Ts (technology, talent and tolerance) take root and flourish. The new urban concept developed in The Village complements Wofford’s historic district at the center of campus. Phase III of The Village was completed for the opening of the fall 2008 academic year, allowing all of the college’s seniors to be housed in the complex on Evins Street. The 1,200-square-foot apartments each feature four private bedrooms, two full baths, a full-size kitchen, dining area with dinette set and four chairs furnished, four kitchen bar stools, large front porch or balcony with one rocking chair per student furnished, and more.
The Village also was featured in the Winter 2008-09 edition of Sandlapper magazine titled “It Takes A Village," which highlights the reaction of students living in The Village as well as plans for Phase IV of the project.
“The Village provides a residential setting that is the best kind of neighborhood for a college senior. There’s a sense of community built around interesting residential architecture, front porches, bicycle and pedestrian-friendly streets, outdoor recreation and ‘hang-out places,’” the magazine writes.