Location: Richmond, VA
Originally built in the early 1900s, Huntley Hall is on the campus of Virginia Union University (campus on National Historic Registry). It has served as a historic architectural campus focal point and residence hall to all male incoming freshman since the school’s inception. In order to stay competitive with various peer institutions in the Commonwealth, RRMM was contracted to convert the existing double-loaded corridor and gang bathroom configuration into suite-style accommodations while utilizing the nationally adopted “Living/Learning Model,” as well as providing a more energy efficient HVAC system, and new plumbing, electrical and IT infrastructure. Additionally, RRMM’s scanning team was used to 3D scan the entire interior and exterior to aid in existing as-built drawing, create a BIM model and document any and all historic detailing.
As a part of the renovations, a new entrance element was added, in keeping with the historic context, that included a monumental stair and elevator to provide vertical transportation to all floors. Throughout programming and the initial site assessment, the design team studied two potential options for a required means of egress, and it was determined that structurally the most feasible and cost-effective option was to include the tower addition. For cohesion of the historic aesthetic, much of the existing stone will be removed and re-used on the addition and all the precast banding will be 3D scanned and replicated for the required new entrance element. With new code acceptable access to the lower/basement level, it was transformed to house all the new building infrastructure and PME systems, a new flexible 20-seat classroom, multiple quiet study rooms, open collaboration spaces and student commons to support the “Living Learning” initiative established by the university.