Stewart Odell Renovation Update - 4.24.2023
This spring, you may have noticed the construction has shifted from our new Fowler Student Center to the Stewart and Odell Residence Halls. The renovation on these conjoined buildings began in late December after occupants—all students who would be studying abroad this spring—moved out.
Open gallery
Approaching the halfway-complete mark, we thought our community could use an update and learn more about what to expect come move-in this Fall—yes, that’s right—the renovation will be complete for students to move in September 2, 2023!
Pulling in through Gate #5 post-renovation, you will get an immediate feel for the heart of campus. Exterior envelope items such as a new roof, paint, and windows will of course be welcomed aesthetic, energy, and weather proofing upgrades, but the really exciting changes are focused in the guts of the buildings.
Prior to the renovation, Facilities would often get feedback from student occupants of the dated noisy pipes used for heating. Fall semester occupants will enjoy:
- A new and quieter state of the art heating and cooling system. This is the first cooling system ever installed in any residence halls here on campus! This variable refrigerant flow heating and cooling system is capable of transferring heat or cooling from one part of the building and delivering it to another part, and uses no fossil fuels ever, and includes heat recovery ventilation using filtered dedicated outdoor air supply. Occupants can expect top notch indoor air quality.
- In addition to pristine air quality, the buildings will be receiving safety upgrades including new fire alarm systems as well as seismic structure upgrades.
- The buildings will also increase accessible friendliness, achieving almost double the code required ADA enhancement investment with over 48% of project construction value attributed to this important goal. Upgrades include entrance ramps with door operators, accessible bedrooms equipped with their own door operators, and a new accessible laundry room.
- Much of this renovation is focused on the buildings’ hidden gems, which means some of the more visible features will be familiar. The renovation practices an adaptive reuse philosophy where much of the original design and that great Lewis & Clark charm stays and is integrated into the newer building upgrades. Familiar and reused features that occupants might notice include fire system piping, ceiling heights, room doors and door hardware.
Construction projects can be challenging at times, but stepping back to see the bigger picture—the true development of the heart of Lewis & Clark—makes it all worth it. Great progress has been made on Stewart and Odell since December, and with a blink of an eye, much more hard work will reveal itself over the next five months.
