Serving as the residential life and interior design partner, MMA joined GBBN Architects, Smith Group Landscape Design, and Messer Construction to renovate the two residence halls. MMA’s extensive previous work on campus included the development of a residential life master plan, the design of five new residence halls, and the renovation of six residence halls. This experience provided the team with a deeper understanding of campus and its architecture. Scott Hall and Minnich Hall, which are on the university’s Central Quad, began the renovation process in 2016 and reopened for students in the Fall of 2018.
Shape
MMA’s role was to guide the renovations and upgrades of the community spaces through layout and finishes that respect the tradition of the original building interiors while bringing a contemporary refresh. Other goals included maximizing bed count within the restraints of an existing facility while still creating a strong residential life community and providing dedicated sorority suites in each building that meet the district’s Panhellenic goals. Further enhancements by the design team included improved site work, updated exterior details, and energy-efficient mechanical systems.
Inspire
Scott & Minnich Halls are located along Maple Street, a prominent campus artery, therefore additional design dedication was given to the exterior spaces and elevation improvements to provide the appropriate frontage along Maple Street that reflects the overall long-term goals of the Campus Masterplan. The original Scott hall had a large one-story community space that looked out of place compared to the surrounding building forms. During design, several studies were done to remove that portion of the building and to recreate the appropriate new “street entrance” in keeping with the Collegiate Georgian Vernacular that emanates throughout campus.
We are happy to provide an updated modern interior space while still preserving some of the original detail and history of the halls for a new generation of students.