Originally constructed in 1958 and designed by local modernist architect, Richard P. Stahl, FAIA, Pummill Hall desperately needed an overhaul and was much despised on campus. Stahl’s work was noted for innovation and rigorous structural order. Pummill Hall was no exception with a three-story aluminum curtain wall on its north and south facades and a narrow, double-loaded corridor accessing classrooms and offices. The renovation goal was threefold:

1) replace the outdated curtain wall with a more energy efficient system

2) renovate academic spaces for Hospitality and Restaurant Administration, Department of Social Work, and General Education classrooms

3) restore campus pride by making it a relevant learning environment.

The solution suggests what Stahl might do if he were still practicing today. While more energy efficient, the new north facade is highly transparent, allowing passersby to experience the activity within. The south facade incorporates ceramic frit framing views of the horizon while mitigating heat gain. The interior is reconfigured to accommodate the new program, placing community spaces such as student collaboration areas and the functioning restaurant at the central protrusion on the north elevation above the building’s entry. This location serves to connect people to one another and to the campus.