Located in suburban Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace University’s Bonds Hall is a pivotal campus nexus for essential student support services. Originally constructed in 1970, the two-story building showed significant signs of aging, prompting the need for a comprehensive modernization to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Photographer: RPM Images
CPL’s Higher Education Practice renovated approximately 18,000 sq. ft. of the building’s first floor, focusing on modernizing key areas to improve efficiency and user experience. The renovation involved moving the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement departments—formerly located in separate, off-site spaces—into the southeast section of the floor and establishing an alumni engagement lounge.
A major overhaul of the combined 8,000 sq. ft. Financial Aid and Registration offices was also completed to simplify access to essential services for students and staff. This encompassed the creation of a new “One Stop” space that consolidates Registration, Financial Aid, and Bursar’s offices into a single, streamlined service area.
Special attention was paid to blending the textures and colors of the new finishes seamlessly with the building’s existing architecture. The design of these spaces features a warm brown and gold color palette, directly reflecting their school colors, with flexible furniture arrangements—such as couches, chairs and barstools—that encourage relaxation and social interaction.
In the administrative areas, vibrant blue seating injects energy and modernity into the environment, and in the east entrance, a striking digital display wall merges the building’s Georgian-colonial style with contemporary technology.
By thoughtfully integrating modern design elements with the building’s historic architecture, these upgrades create a welcoming and efficient environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. The improvements underscore Baldwin Wallace’s dedication to providing an exceptional, forward-thinking educational environment, ensuring that Bonds Hall will continue to serve as a vibrant hub for years to come.
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