Muhlenberg College: East Hall

Project Description

This historic renovation and addition to a century-old dorm at the heart of Muhlenburg College honors a history of architectural craftsmanship by utilizing both traditional on-site and modern off-site construction techniques.

Awards

Project Details

  • Client Muhlenberg College
  • Location Allentown, PA View map
  • Use Student Housing
  • Sq. ft. 47,400
  • Completed 2014

A delicate hand

Spillman Farmer Architects has been the master planner and primary architect on Muhlenberg College’s campus for decades.

SFA provided an initial feasibility study and assessment which determined East Hall’s significant value to the historic campus core. This project repurposes East Hall to meet new student requirements, while maintaining its historic charm. Our intent was to provide a memorable, meaningful, living/learning environment for students while connecting them to outdoor space.…

Spillman Farmer Architects has been the master planner and primary architect on Muhlenberg College’s campus for decades.

SFA provided an initial feasibility study and assessment which determined East Hall’s significant value to the historic campus core. This project repurposes East Hall to meet new student requirements, while maintaining its historic charm. Our intent was to provide a memorable, meaningful, living/learning environment for students while connecting them to outdoor space. East Hall’s renovation will include warm, inviting interiors with thoughtful historic detailing that respects the charm of the original building. Large and small social spaces will foster a sense of community, and be located strategically to minimize circulation zones and provide visual and physical connectivity to the greater campus.

For this project we are deploying off-site and pre-fabricated construction strategies. This system of construction minimizes site disruption and shortens construction time. Fabricating the addition in this way also allows for a timely juxtaposition of construction methods. Ultimately, the building respects its early 20th century fabric while exploiting a 21st-century construction model.

Though the building is over a century old, SFA’s renovations and additions will modernize East Hall into a desirable residence hall for Muhlenberg students. Through multiple programming sessions and design alternatives, SFA’s interventions are transforming the hall with a delicate hand.

Awards Recognition

Award Best in Show & First Place in Permanent Modular Construction – Modular Building Institute, 2014

Project Muhlenberg College: East Hall

Awards Recognition

Award Award of Excellence – AIA Eastern PA, 2014

Project Muhlenberg College: East Hall

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Testimonial

Name Jan Schumacher

Title Director of Residential Services

We are already seeing a stronger sense of community and connection with the students living in East Hall. Aesthetically, the addition blends seamlessly with the original building and I’m sure in years to come students will just assume the building has always looked the way it does now.