Oxford Housing
client: Miami University
markets : Education, Development/Mixed Use
services : Planning, Construction, Design

Few projects are initiated with such clarity of vision as the Oxford Housing Development in Oxford Ohio. The challenge to the GBBN design team was to create a safe, clean housing community for the students of Miami University that eclipsed the amenities found in the current market-place and built within the Architectural vernacular and spatial character of Miami University and the City of Oxford. All designers know that in Oxford you have to respect the openness of the quadrangles, as well as clarity of the formal planning patterns, but could this be done in a bean field a half-mile from campus?

With an opportunity to make a significant impact on the Southern entrance into Oxford, GBBN established a strong relationship with Oxford's "Uptown" area by creating a small village center at the project entrance to house the more public functions of the Community. A strong focal element to the plan, the village center will be an arcade-enclosed green space for social gatherings and contain convenience shopping and dining opportunities, the central community fitness center, classroom or computer lab spaces, as well as the community bus depot where students can catch a ride to campus.

The balance of the development is broken down into a variety of housing opportunities for the expected 1600 students. In two and three-story buildings containing townhouses and 2, 3, and 4-bedroom flats, students can find dense streets, small cloistered neighborhoods, or large formal lawns on which to live. Over the 72-acre development each neighborhood has direct access to recreational facilities, all connected by pedestrian pathways, and include tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, swimming pools, and picnic areas. The entire community is overseen by a full-time management and security staff which will also serve as the leasing staff.

The clarity of vision has led the GBBN team to a solution which both preserves and promotes the small town planning principles of Oxford. Students can be connected to Miami University without actually being on campus, knowing their apartment at the Oxford Housing Development was conceived of the same quality and care as the institution they'll be proud to call their Alma mater.