The project is anchored by a new and larger dining hall connected by a skywalk to the existing Centennial Hall and a new athletic center with a competition and auxiliary gym. Pierson Gym was demolished with the area reimagined into a campus quad for outdoor gatherings along Ward Parkway.
Renovations for the Hall Student Center include expanding the lobby and academic spaces. The new and renovated spaces will focus on program elements such as fine arts, robotics, athletics and debate.
The first phase of the project included the lawn renovation and a new parking lot that were completed on a very tight time frame in a logistically challenging site. With adjacent buildings occupied throughout construction, the team took great care in ensuring the safety of students, staff and visitors. Early in preconstruction, the team collaborated with the owner on the quad, tweaking the design and materials to ensure it met the vision of the design team while remaining in budget and schedule. In addition, the team used a formal management plan to align expectations between the multiple stakeholders on the project and enhance communication for all parties.