McQuaid Jesuit Outdoor Commons: Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom
The McQuaid Jesuit High School Outdoor Commons transforms underutilized space into a dynamic plaza for learning, dining, and social interaction. Completed in 2017 as part of a larger campus master planning effort, the project mirrors the school’s indoor commons and cafeteria, extending their functions into a thoughtfully designed outdoor environment.

Survey, Civil Engineering, and Landscape Architecture Services
Costich Engineering provided comprehensive services beginning with detailed land surveying to guide site planning. Civil engineering addressed grading, drainage, and circulation improvements, ensuring functionality across the sloped site. Landscape architecture shaped the commons into a student-focused gathering space with walkways, seating areas, and outdoor classrooms that connect seamlessly to adjacent indoor spaces and the athletic complex.

Responsive Campus Design
The design reflects a responsive approach — aligning outdoor uses with the school’s existing architecture while solving practical site challenges. The result is a commons that not only enhances student life but also improves pedestrian circulation and strengthens connectivity across campus.

Key Features

• Outdoor commons designed as an extension of indoor cafeteria and student areas

• Comprehensive survey, civil engineering, and landscape architecture services

• Enhanced pedestrian circulation linking academic buildings to athletic complex

• Outdoor classrooms and dining spaces supporting flexible campus use

• Part of broader master planning efforts for McQuaid Jesuit High School