Examine a strategic, student-centered, and proactive design approach to meet the evolving needs of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through the intentional creation of campus living communities. Grounded in the architectural and programmatic application of Lessons Learned from Black Colleges on Mental Health and Well-Being by Active Minds and UNCF (2023), developed in partnership with ten HBCUs, this work positions design as a critical tool in strengthening institutional resilience and honoring the deep cultural, educational, and social significance of HBCU campuses.HBCUs are uniquely poised to lead the national conversation on mental health–informed housing design by prioritizing student well-being at its most foundational level: residence halls, where students build identity, community, and belonging. This exploration highlights the essential role designers play in advancing the historic mission of HBCUs and extending their lasting impact on students’ academic success and holistic well-being. Through focused analysis of HBCU housing projects, case studies demonstrate how research-driven design can reinforce cultural narratives, promote mental health, and foster a strong sense of belonging. Each key metric examined directly links student housing acceptance to intentional design strategies, reinforcing the imperative role of design in translating research, values, and mission into meaningful, high-impact physical environments.