Landmark College broke ground in late September on the Upper Campus Commons, a 17,000 square foot project that includes building an addition on to Stone Hall, as well as an outdoor courtyard and plaza. The project, designed by architect and College trustee Bennett Fradkin, will employ best practices in the field of neuroinclusive design. Fradkin was also the lead architect on the MacFarlane Center construction project, and was honored by the American Institute of Architecture for that work, receiving an Excellence in Architecture—Large Project award.
Recent graduate Yar Deng '23 said that the Upper Campus Commons project "will allow the night owl students a place to work, hang out, and to acquire food when the cafeteria and Fireside Cafe are closed." Speaking to Fradkin's role as architect on the project, Deng said that "we know that there is an understanding of accessible design, as well as the vibe that is so important to the Landmark College community."
Former Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, a co-founder of the College back when he was then a member of the Putney Select Board, spoke to the need for the building, saying that "this campus was missing was a heart. Something close to where people live, where you can hang out, build friendships, and celebrate the fact that you're getting to live with folks who went through a similar journey as you."
The project is the first phase of the College's upcoming capital campaign. The building will be completed in 2026.