Carleton building projects receive three Minnesota Construction Association Awards of Excellence for Project of the Year
All projects were completed in partnership with Terra Construction.
Multiple buildings from the Carleton Student Life and Housing Plan have received Minnesota Construction Association (MCA) Awards of Excellence for Project of the Year in three different categories. All buildings were completed in partnership with Terra Construction.
Carleton’s student housing earned the top spot in the category New Project Between Total Value of $15 Million and $50 Million, the Class of 1974 Center took New Project Total Value Under $15 Million, and the College’s PHIUS-certified buildings won in the category of Research, Innovation or Use of Technology.
“Carleton College’s student housing project expands equitable living with new housing at Lilac Hill and Union Street — 184 beds in sustainable, PHIUS-certified spaces,” the MCA award description reads for both housing awards. “Designed for comfort, community, and cultural programs, these residences advance energy efficiency and quality standards while supporting Carleton’s goal of 20 percent townhouse-style living.”
PHIUS (Passive House Institute, U.S.) certifies housing projects that use design to minimize energy use. Carleton’s certified buildings are the five Lilac Hill townhouses, Neil House, and the Multicultural Center. The buildings are designed to use 69 percent less energy annually than similar buildings built to meet current energy code standards. The Lilac Hill buildings also have 600 solar panels, which generate enough electricity to reach net zero by offsetting the annual energy usage of the buildings.
The Class of 1974 Center, also sporting rooftop solar panels, is a 23,000-square foot space built to LEED Platinum standards that houses Student Health and Counseling (SHAC), the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR), the Title IX office, and Human Resources.
“Carleton College’s Class of 1974 Center redefines student wellness with a modern hub for health and counseling,” the award description reads. “Featuring exam rooms, therapy spaces, pharmacy, and advanced systems, it blends accessibility, privacy, and sustainability. More than a building — it’s a lasting commitment to student well-being, designed for generations to thrive.”
On January 28, the MCA honored its members for outstanding recently completed construction projects, and the awards were presented at the 31st Annual MCA Awards of Excellence Gala.
Erica Helgerud ’20 is the news and social media manager for Carleton College.