New Apartments & Village Welcome Whitman Juniors & Seniors

It was built with them in mind—and now they call it home. In the Fall 2025 semester, Whitman College’s new Junior-Senior Village welcomed its first residents, marking a milestone in the college’s efforts to create sustainable and community-focused student housing.

Designed for Belonging

Located just steps from the heart of campus, the village includes three new halls—Harvey, Robart and Stegner—offering two-, three- and four-bedroom semifurnished apartment-style units. Each student has their own private bedroom, and units come with living rooms, full kitchens and one or more bathrooms. With a mix of shared and private areas, the village fosters both independence and connection.

“We wanted to create a space that reflects where students are in their Whitman journey—offering more autonomy but still surrounded by community,” says Andrew Johnson, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life and Housing. 

Common indoor lounges and outdoor gathering areas offer space for students to hang out, study and connect. And with no meal plan required, students can cook and dine on their own schedules. Community Assistants live on-site and are available if needed.

Green Living Built In

Sustainability was a cornerstone of the project. More than 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills through recycling and reuse. The buildings have energy-saving features, including high-efficiency fixtures that reduce water use. The project is targeting LEED Gold certification for its environmental performance.

“Every design decision—from the materials and landscaping to the all-electrical power and lighting—was made with sustainability in mind,” says Tony Ichsan, Assistant Vice President of Facilities Services. “This village doesn’t just meet today’s standards. It’s built to serve students and the planet for years to come.”

Earlier this year, Whitman received a nearly $600,000 Washington state grant to support the installation of solar panels on the roofs of the new halls. 

A restored College Creek is another key feature of the setting, creating a healthier habitat for plants and wildlife.

Accessibility was also thoughtfully built into the apartments, informed by input from Whitman students with disabilities. Some units include enhanced features such as grab bars, wider clearance areas, ADA-compliant appliances and handheld showerheads. All units meet current accessibility standards, helping ensure that more students feel truly at home.

Powered by Philanthropy

The Junior-Senior Village was made possible by the generosity of Whitman donors. Of the nearly $85 million total project cost, more than $23 million was raised through philanthropic support and the Upward Together campaign—a lasting investment in student independence, sustainability and community that will benefit generations to come.

A Village of Their Own

Take a look inside the new Junior-Senior Village—and check back as we add new photos throughout the Fall 2025 semester.