First Look: Lakeside Neighborhood

Earlier this summer, Rollins leveled dated McKean Hall to make way for Lakeside Neighborhood, a a state-of-the-art residential community that promises to set a new standard for liberal arts living and learning.

The 250,000-square-foot, five-story facility will hug the southeastern shoreline of campus, offering impressive views of Lake Virginia and easy access to the Cornell Campus Center, the new Kathleen W. Rollins Hall, Olin Library, and the rest of campus.

Lakeside Neighborhood will center on community and wellness, offering students private personal space surrounded by collaborative communal spaces—all focused on supporting their health and well-being. The inviting pool in the middle of all that living and learning won’t be half bad either.

While we’ll have much more to share in the coming months, we couldn’t wait to give you a sneak peek at everything the new lakeside neighborhood will offer.

One of the most beautiful (and convenient) lakefront locations on campus

Lakeside’s three residence halls will occupy a sizable stretch of lakefront between the Cornell Campus Center and the Cornell Fine Arts Center. This prime location will yield some of the best views of Lake Virginia anywhere on campus and provide easy access to everything from the newly renovated Skillman Dining Hall and Kathleen W. Rollins Hall to Olin Library and Mills Lawn.

Independent living marked by modern amenities

Each of the 124 units in Lakeside Neighborhood will be anchored by a well-appointed shared living space, including a furnished living room, a full kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, and a washer and dryer. In addition to a private or semi-private bedroom, each resident will have a full private bathroom, closet, workspace, and additional storage.

Collaborative communal space

While the community’s residential units will offer students more independent living options than ever before, much of the neighborhood is intended to facilitate the relational learning that’s so essential to a 21st-century education. From a sprawling open-concept lounge and poolside study spots to tree-canopied outdoor meeting areas, students will have ample space to develop their creative problem-solving skills and collaborative teamwork in partnership with their classmates and professors.

A focus on health and wellness

Rollins’ residential liberal arts education doesn’t stop at enriching our students’ minds—it’s also designed to cultivate their overall health and wellness. That commitment is evident throughout Lakeside Neighborhood’s layout. A centrally located pool will offer aquatic recreation and relaxation, a fitness center will feature a range of state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and a movement studio will host yoga, meditation, and group fitness classes. Meanwhile, the expanded C-Store will offer everything from healthy snacks and groceries to Fair Trade coffee and fresh-pressed juice. The Office of Residential Life & Explorations, the Center for Inclusion & Campus Involvement, and the Lucy Cross Center for Women & Their Allies will be housed in the new complex, offering students immediate access to their support and services.