With comfy chairs, a fireplace, and ocean views, the Deering Common Community Center is a living room for the COA community. On the first floor you’ll find the student lounge, cafe, and offices for the college nurse and mental health counselors. The offices of student life staff, the meditation room, a student organization meeting space, and an additional classroom are on the upper floors. While Deering Common has its roots as a storied oceanfront estate, it’s at the forefront of sustainable design. It’s heated with a wood pellet boiler and has composting toilets and recycled newsprint insulation.