Phase II of the Residential Suites recently received an award for the best campus housing project for students at the 47th annual Gold Nugget Awards. The awards acknowledge builders, architects, developers and land planners in the Western United States and international countries.

Phase II, which includes Vista de las Estrellas, Vista de las Montanas and Vista de la Luna, was completed in fall 2010. These suites were also previously recognized with the LEED silver certification for sustainability.

Megan Stang, director of University Housing Services, hopes the award will showcase the benefits of the housing community to current and future residents.

"The buildings were designed and built to intentionally connect the Residential Suites Phase II both to the campus and Phase I," Stang says. "The new buildings create a cohesive connection with Phase I that it is truly one community and not two distinct phases."

The addition of Bronco Commons also helps the suites community connect with the main campus.

"It allows residential students to participate in intramural games, campus programs, concerts and activities literally right in their backyard," Stang says. "The Bronco Commons is a fantastic addition both to campus and to the residential communities."

Phase II was built by W.E. O'Neil Construction and architect Sasaki Associates Inc.

(Bottom photo, front row: Megan Stang, Christi Chisler and Octavio Gutierrez. Back row: John Coons, Meghen Quinn and Jade Shalev.)