Ecovillage

Nontraditional Student Housing

The Berea College Ecovillage is an on-campus ecologically sustainable residential and learning complex designed to meet the housing needs of nontraditional students (parents, married couples, students over 23 years of age) and their families. The 50-unit complex is a part of the Non-Traditional Student Program and houses 96 residents in a combination of one, two, and three-bedroom apartment configurations. To accommodate different needs and family sizes, there are eight one-bedroom apartments, 38 two-bedroom apartments, and 4 three-bedroom apartments. All apartments are equipped with central heat and air, a full kitchen, office/study, and full bathroom. A laundry facility is on-site in the Commons House. Berea College Facilities Management is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of Ecovillage.

Berea College family housing was built in the late 1980s, starting with 22 apartments, and was later expanded and renovated in 2005 to include 28 townhouse-style units. The Ecovillage's green buildings and commitment to teaching sustainable living practices are what give this unique community its name. The apartments are designed to save water and energy, and most buildings face south for additional energy savings. Ecovillage is a tangible example of Berea College's dedication to sustainable living. Ecological design is the foundation of Berea’s transformation to a sustainable campus.

The College has provided the Ecovillage with a Toyota Prius that residents may use. A hybrid car, the Prius combines a gas engine and an emissions-free electric motor. This low-emissions vehicle does not have to be recharged. The Ecovillage is within walking distance of the campus, so the Prius is available only for off-campus needs such as grocery shopping and doctor’s appointments.

Residents of Ecovillage will have the opportunity to participate in sustainable practices such as composting, recycling, use of green cleaning products, and community activities and programs that are educational and fun for the entire family. The Ecovillage is a family-friendly community with many amenities for residents to enjoy.

Altogether, the Ecovillage apartments, Commons House, Child Development Laboratory, Food Forest, and Non-Traditional Student Clubhouse create an innovative, sustainable community.

As an integral part of the Berea College Community, the Ecovillage strives to achieve the following program objectives:

On-Site Child Care (Child Development Lab)
Central Location to Berea Community School, Memorial Park, and Old Town
On-Site Parking (Street parking and two parking lots)
Playground
Community Car – Toyota Prius
Community Garden and Food Forest
Ecovillage Commons House
- Patio
- On-Site Laundry
- City Post Office Mailboxes
- Smart TV w/ Soundbar
- Study Café & Lounge
- 24-hour Coffee Station
Non-Traditional Student Clubhouse
- B-Mart (a free store with clothing, hygiene, food items, and more)
- Full Kitchen
- Ping Pong Table
- Smart TV w/ Soundbar
- Video Games
- Children’s Playroom
- Greenhouse
- Study Room
- Student Staff Offices
- Non-Traditional Student Program Associate Office

When you receive the housing application link via email from Student Success and Transition, you should complete your application as soon as possible, along with the application for the Child Development Lab, if needed, and a background check form for yourself and for your spouse, if married. Please print this form, sign, then attach it to your housing application for each adult in the household. Applications without a completed background check form for each adult, including a handwritten signature, will not be considered.

Rent is charged to the student account at the beginning of each term and must be paid in full in order to register for the next term.
All utility costs are included in your rent price. No outside cable or internet services are allowed.
As an Ecovillage resident, you will receive mail in our mailroom located inside the Commons House.

For Questions and/or Applications, Contact:

Sharonda Steele

Associate Director of Non-Traditional Student Services and Operations

Phone: (859) 985-3179

Spaces

Ecovillage - Bee pollinating a sunflower

Exterior shot of Ecovillage with Draper tower in the foreground.

Ecovillage original "Colonial Style" units

Addresses

Ecovillage Commons House: 116 Washington Avenue, Berea, KY, 40403

Non-Traditional Student Clubhouse: 121 W. Jefferson, Berea, KY 40403

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Contact Us

Berea College | Ecovillage | Berea, KY 40404 | 859-985-3179 | housing@berea.edu