When failing piping left rooms in Bridgewater College‘s Wakeman Hall uninhabitable, what began as a straightforward repair quickly evolved into a comprehensive reimagining of the residence hall.
Client
Bridgewater College
Location
Bridgewater, Virginia
Key Contact
Kenneth Mayer
Photographer
QPH Photography
Completed
2025
Size
23,646 sq. ft.
Cost
$5.2 M
Services
Architecture, Interior Design, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering
The result is a five-story, LEED Silver-certified facility that not only restores functionality but also elevates student life, providing 388 beds in a mix of apartment-style and efficiency units designed to support the diverse needs of today’s students.
Working closely with Bridgewater College leadership, our Higher Education practice team uncovered opportunities to move beyond infrastructure replacement, reshaping the hall into a modern, people-first living environment.
The traditional institutional layout of narrow corridors and isolated lounges was replaced with a suite-style model offering more private bedroom-to-bathroom connections and a mix of two- and multi-bedroom configurations. A new central corridor unifies circulation, creating natural points of interaction and fostering a stronger sense of community.
Shared spaces were also reprogrammed to foster student gatherings. Kitchens formerly tucked into suites were removed to free space for additional bedrooms, with communal kitchens and lounges consolidated into vibrant hubs on each floor instead.
Daylight was introduced deeper into the building by situating laundry rooms and study nooks along new windows, reframing routine tasks to be brighter and more encouraging. On the lower level, a larger study area paired with a dinette now serves as a flexible anchor for both collaboration and casual hangouts.
Behind the scenes, building systems were upgraded for reliable performance. Plumbing and HVAC piping were fully replaced; fire protection and sprinkler systems were discreetly integrated; and contemporary lighting fixtures were installed throughout. Moreover, accessibility was enhanced with ADA-compliant restrooms and laundry facilities on every floor, ensuring an inclusive atmosphere for all students.
Well-equipped for the 21st century, Wakeman Hall now stands as a forward-looking residential hub defined by comfort and community. Its metamorphosis demonstrates how thoughtful design can turn even the most pressing infrastructure needs into enduring value for students, all while setting new benchmarks in campus living.
