Muhlenberg College was founded in 1848 as the Allentown Seminary and began its first official semester with only four students. In 1903, the first student dormitory, Berks Hall (now known as East Hall), was completed. Over the next century, Muhlenberg College continued to grow its academic offerings and student population. To keep up with the fast-paced growth of the College, East Hall underwent several small-scale renovations, many of which diminished the charm of the historic building. Due to the perception of the building as outdated and the lack of modern amenities, East Hall began to lose its charm. What was once the most popular living option for upperclassmen was being passed over for new and different options. It was then that the College turned to the Architect to provide the initial feasibility study for an expansion and renovation.
In 2012, the design team provided a feasibility study that determined East Hall's significant value to Muhlenberg's campus core. At more than 110 years old, East Hall holds a rich history and aesthetic quality that defines the architecture and experience of Muhlenberg. Following this study, the design team was retained to provide a substantial expansion and renovation of East Hall, restoring it to its former glory.
The renovations repurpose East Hall to meet new student requirements, while maintaining its historic charm. The copper cupolas were reconstructed and replaced, using historical photographs and original drawings as a guide. The original fireplaces were revealed and restored, adding unique character to student rooms. Thoughtful detailing respects the original 20th-century architecture, while modern upgrades meet the needs of 21st-century students. Large and small social spaces foster a sense of community, and are located strategically to minimize circulation zones and provide visual and physical connectivity to the greater campus.
From the time of its original construction, East Hall was always intended to be expanded. Interestingly, three fireplaces were left exposed at each of the three floors on East Hall's exterior wall with the understanding that they would one day be located on the building’s interior. As the design team considered the possibilities for expansion, they concluded that this was an important piece of the building's history that should be honored and celebrated. A connector piece was designed to literally and figuratively unite East Hall: it signals the bridge between old and new, and its transparency creates views to the campus beyond. Instead of continuing the expansion along the existing trajectory of East Hall’s corridor, this connector creates a gentle pause where students can socialize and interact in common spaces (which feature the formerly exterior fireplaces), and allows for the expansion to gesture toward the quad.
Though the building is more than a century old, the design team's renovations and expansion has modernized East Hall into a desirable residence hall for Muhlenberg students. Through a collaborative process that juxtaposed thoughtful historic preservation with innovative modern construction strategies, the team's interventions have transformed East Hall with a delicate hand.
Material Used :
1. Brick - Supplier - Beth Hanover Supply Mfgr. Redland Brick, Inc. - Royal Burgundy Modular Stretcher w/ Black Velvet Modular Header
2. Windows - Seaway - Encore Series
3. Curtain Wall - Kawneer 1600 w/ Pilkington Glazing
4. Roof - EPDM - Carlisle 60 mil Sure White membrane
5. Roof panel - Metal - Atas International - Copper - 1-1/2" field lock
6. Slate Shingle - Virginia slate company- Classic Blue/ black
7. Copper Dome - Cambelsville Industries
8. Carpeting - Tandus Flooring Style: 1)Thoroughfare, 2) Interchange Color: Brown Derby
9. VCT - Mannington. Style: Solidpoint Color: Iron
10. Ceramic Tile - Wall: Dal Tile - Rittenhouse Color: White Floor: Dal tile - Custom Keystones Hex pattern - Color: Arctic white and black.
