Carnegie Mellon University earned the city Planning Commission’s approval to build a new commons area on its Oakland campus where students could socialize and study.

The Margaret Morrison Street Neighborhood Commons is set to be built under the existing Hamerschlag House dormitory. The space currently serves as a “not very pedestrian-friendly plaza (that is) very underutilized,” said Bob Reppe, a university vice president and architect.

People will be able to access the new commons area through a courtyard between Boss and McGill houses, a ramped pathway in front of Scobell House and from Skibo Drive, he said.

The 6,000-square-foot commons is set to include an indoor/outdoor fireplace, a wellness room and a multipurpose room, according to plans presented to the Planning Commission. The site also is slated to offer study spaces, covered outdoor patio space and a multimedia room where students could watch movies.

University officials did not offer a timeline of when the project might be completed or details on how much the project is expected to cost.

Planning commissioners approved the measure unanimously Tuesday without discussion.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)