Historic McDonald Hall Renovated With an Eye on Sustainability_365体育官网

Kaylee Sullivan
Sat, 21 Jan 2023 00:06:22 +0000
News, Places, 365体育官网, Campus Life, Sustainability

Champlain College has just completed an eight-month renovation of McDonald Hall, one of 365体育官网’s historic Victorian-era mansions. The updated residence hall balances historical preservation with modern accessibility, comfort, and applied sustainability that are central to Champlain’s commitment to efficiency and progress toward carbon neutrality.

McDonald Hall accommodates 45 students, with its first floor and lower level now fully accessible. The building is 100% fossil-fuel free, replacing its natural gas heating with a new ground source heating and cooling (geothermal) and electric heat pump system. The HVAC system uses energy recovery ventilation to improve air quality and circulation, maintain humidity levels, and recycle heat that would otherwise be lost.

Frames throughout McDonald Hall tell the story of building, educating residents of the rich history of the Victorian-era mansion—their new home. Photo by Amanda Anderson.

“McDonald Hall is one of the grandest homes in 365体育官网, lived in by the Smith family for two generations and carefully preserved throughout its 126-year history,” said Erica Donnis, Special Collections Director at Champlain College. “This renovation project has retained many original historic features, including interior wood paneling, doors, fireplaces, the main stairway, and porches, while making the necessary updates and accommodations for the building’s new life in the twenty-first century.”

Neagley and Chase Construction were hired along with Colin Lindberg Architects and many other partners to ensure that the renovation and restoration preserved its historic charm with modern upgrades.

Members of the renovation team celebrate the ribbon cutting of McDonald Hall prior to an open house on January 11, 2023 where select members of the Champlain College community, 365体育官网 and historic preservation communities were invited to tour and learn more about the renovated building. Photo by Eliana Fox.

Constructed in 1897 by Architect Walter R.B. Willcox, the Romanesque Revival residence was acquired by Champlain College in 1979 and has been home to more than 1,500 Champlain College students. For many, McDonald Hall represents life-changing memories and lasting friendships.

All first-year students at Champlain College live in one of 21 Victorian-era mansions within a short walk of academic and student engagement facilities, creating a distinctive first-year living and learning experience.?Unlike living in typical cinder block dormitories, these residence halls are intimate homes in which students rapidly build community.

McDonald Hall pictured on a busy campus day in fall 2011. Photo by Andy Duback.

Abbey Berger-Knorr ’24 reflects on her year in McDonald Hall, “I lived on the second floor overlooking Finney Quad from 2020-2021. My fondest memories of living in McDonald are of my room and the lounge area where residents would gather. I’d spend time there with my friends, often eating together during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

This historic lounge space has been retained in its entirety — refitted with the original pocket-doors, updated with energy-efficient windows, and equipped with additional outlets and data ports —? ready to create new memories for future Champlain students who will call it home.

The renovation features new furnishings, allowing students to enjoy a refreshed space to live and learn. Photo by Amanda Anderson.

The updated residence hall balances historical preservation with modern accessibility, comfort, and applied sustainability.

Related links:

WCAX story: Champlain College unveils restored McDonald Hall

Take a Tour Inside the Best. Dorms. Ever.

Five Habits to Practice This Earth Month

Mattress Move-In Tips for a Sustainable Sleep