Stevens & Wilkinson Developing Student Housing for Georgia Tech and Clemson Universities

Georgia Institute of Technology Renovates Residence Halls, Clemson University Plans New and Replacement Space within Core Campus Precinct

Stevens & Wilkinson, a full-service architecture, engineering and interior design firm based in Atlanta and Columbia, S.C., announced ongoing progress of two, new higher education housing development projects. The projects consist of the renovation of the historic Glenn and Towers Residence Halls at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta (Georgia Tech) and a comprehensive redesign of Clemson University’s Core Campus Housing Precinct in Clemson, S.C.

The firm, in association with VMDO Architects, will completely replace all building infrastructure systems on the Georgia Tech project, making the facilities accessible to the disabled and providing new student amenities. A new 8,400-square-foot addition will connect the two residences, fulfilling the original 1940 master plan, and feature a fitness center, multipurpose meeting room, classroom, and small group study rooms.

“The 616 residents will enjoy new expanded social and study lounges, restrooms and laundries on every floor,” said Ron Stang, AIA, LEED AP and chairman for Stevens & Wilkinson, Georgia. “The renovation scope includes incorporating new elevators; converting existing, open attic spaces into two new residential floors; and replacing slate roofs and historically accurate windows.”

Exterior grounds also will be redesigned to create new outdoor spaces for recreation and entertainment, as well as a new accessible route through the sector of campus where the residences are located.

The three-year, 125,000-square-foot project is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

“The renovation of the halls sets the stage for the establishment of enriched student living accommodations that are in keeping with the high level of standards for which Georgia Tech is known,” said Stang.

Renovation statistics include 63,259 square feet of floor space and four stories at Glenn Hall; 53,116 square feet and three stories at Towers Hall; and 8,400 square feet at the New East Campus Commons. The Glenn and Towers renovation is targeted for completion in 2015.

The Clemson University Core Campus Housing project is an ongoing venture that follows a 2002 Campus Master Plan decision to demolish and replace three major buildings in the middle of the university’s campus, a quest to fundamentally reimagine the entire Core Campus Precinct. As part of the Campus Master Plan, a study was conducted to answer the question: “How might forward-looking approaches to housing, academic, dining, and student life programs be combined into an intense, innovative, and dynamic mixed-use center for Clemson University?”

To resolve the question, VMDO Architects, the firm directing the design of the 700-bed housing initiative, sought the collaboration of Stevens & Wilkinson in conjunction with Sasaki Associates to develop a clear and engaging vision for the precinct’s evolution.

“The design fits very well with the Campus Master Plan and has embellished it in ways we could never have otherwise articulated,” said Gerald Vander May, director, campus planning for Clemson University. “The program was very challenging, but through innovative problem solving and tireless interaction, the team has taken the complex goals of the university and fashioned a vision that has taken root.”

The architecture, engineering and landscape design services provided by Stevens & Wilkinson will involve 179,000 residential square feet, 76,000 dining square feet, and 5,000 academic square feet, resulting in 260,000 gross square feet of new construction and 700 beds. The Clemson University Core Campus Housing project is scheduled for completion in 2016.

“Beyond square footage and new construction, the project aspires to much more, including the design and development of quality campus life for students and new forms of housing that support the university’s desire for a multi-purpose, mixed-use center of living and learning,” said Ashby Gressette, AIA and president of Stevens & Wilkinson.