Category Archives: Higher Education

Agnes Scott College Main Hall Renovation Achieves LEED Platinum Certification

 

 

Jenkins Peer Architects is proud to announce that the recently completed renovation and restoration of Main Hall at Agnes Scott College has been awarded LEED Platinum certification—the highest level of recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council for sustainable design and construction.

Built in 1891, Main Hall is the oldest and most iconic building on the Agnes Scott campus. Our work honored the building’s historic character while transforming it into a high-performing, energy-efficient facility for the 21st century. The project included complete restoration of the building’s exterior and a comprehensive interior renovation featuring modern classrooms, collaborative spaces, and updated mechanical systems.

 

Key sustainable features contributing to the Platinum certification include high-efficiency HVAC and lighting systems, improved insulation, energy-efficient windows, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and the reuse of original materials wherever possible. As a result, Main Hall now consumes 44% less energy and 34% less water than comparable buildings.

This achievement reflects both Agnes Scott College’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship and JPA’s ongoing dedication to thoughtful, sustainable design that enhances the legacy of historic campuses.

Read more about the certification here: Agnes Scott College’s Main Hall Achieves Coveted LEED Platinum Status

Excitement Continues for App State’s University Bookstore Remodel

 

The University Bookstore renovation is one of several major projects under construction at Appalachian State University to enhance the App State Experience. The two-story space, constructed in 1969, is located at the heart of campus in the Student Union and serves the entire App State Community, as well as campus guests.

J•PA’s modern design creates an enhanced visitor experience by incorporating emerging retail trends, environmental graphics that highlight App State’s campus culture and unique materials and textures that represent the university’s High Country setting.

Once complete, the bookstore will become one of the premier spaces on campus for recruitment activities, visitors, alumni, and students.

Read more about the project and how it supports UNC System goals and metrics at the link below.

https://www.appstate.edu/appalachians-future/building-physical-infrastructure/university-bookstore/

UNC Pembroke’s West Hall Receives an AIA Charlotte Merit Award for Adaptive Reuse

The intent of this award is to recognize thoughtful interventions or restorations that create a
synergy between old and new construction.

This comprehensive renovation repurposed an unoccupied 1960s era dormitory to create a dynamic center for technology services and learning. Located in the heart of the UNC Pembroke campus, the three-story West Hall was among several options reviewed by UNCP and the design team to determine the most cost-effective and adaptable solution for consolidating the university’s data and IT services. The comprehensive renovation transformed the 40,659-sf facility into a highly sophisticated technology hub housing UNCP’s entire IT department, faculty / student learning centers, online education offices, living laboratory space, and some of the largest classrooms on campus.

Charlotte’s UREC Recognized as a 2021 Facility of Merit by Athletic Business

This past October, Athletic Business showcased the 2021 Facilities of Merit Awards winners. We are proud to share that University of North Carolina at Charlotte‘s University Recreation Center was recognized as one of AB’s Top Ten Facilities of Merit for 2021—recognizing the best, most innovative athletic, fitness and recreation facilities in North America from 60+ submissions that were featured in the June Architectural Showcase issue.

This was truly a remarkable collaboration with CannonDesign!

 

A dynamic hub for campus recreation, the University Recreation Center is UNC Charlotte’s first facility fully dedicated to campus recreation. The four-story facility triples the previous amount of available space and responds to growing student demand and enrollment by filling a significant void in UNC Charlotte’s student life experience with a wide variety of recreation offerings.

Phase XVI Residence Hall Begins Construction Next Week

The new five-story, 147,000 sq.ft. residence hall replaces Moore Hall—a high-rise tower that was previously demolished. The remaining high-rise tower (Sanford Hall) will remain in place. The new residence hall will complete the front quad, connecting Levine Hall, Housing and Residence Life Operations, and provide a direct pathway to South Village Dining Hall. The residence hall design includes traditional double rooms supported by communal bathrooms, study lounges, laundry rooms, multi-purpose rooms, and apartment suites for resident employees.

UNC Pembroke’s West Hall Transformation is Complete!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When given the chance, an old building can often surprise in its ability to take on a new use. This adaptive re-use project at UNC Pembroke is a great example of transformation. Originally designed as a residence hall in 1965, West Hall now houses the IT Innovation Center for students and faculty. The team was excited to work with UNC Pembroke to breath new life into the structure, and provide the campus a building they can use for many years to come.