A residence hall for Worcester State College has been redesigned by Cambridge-based architects Prellwitz Chilinski Assoc. Inc. (PCA ), in partnership with the school and the Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MSCBA).
The 20-year-old Dowden Residence Hall transformation has earned the building a LEED Gold level by the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a statement. The 100,000-square-foot, campus hub features a four-story glass entry façade, new common spaces and a wide range of student amenities, according to a statement.
"MSCBA has been championing sustainable design and improved facilities for years now," said Steve Allen, principal at PCA. "Dowden Hall offered a perfect opportunity to advance their vision. The building was outdated, but it offered the potential to transform the freshman experience and symbolize Worcester State’s commitment to its students and the environment."
The project’s design reoriented the existing 58,000-square-foot building around a 41,000-square-foot new wing, according to a statement. Inside, there are 422 total beds, wide hallways and new social spaces including a ground-floor fitness center, convenience store and game room.
Sustainable design strategies in the residence hall include a natural-gas combined heat and power generation system, energy-conserving lighting, and windows and plumbing ensuring operational efficiency, according to statement. Resource-saving building practices included the recycling of building materials and sourcing of locally produced materials during the 18-month construction process led by Milford-based Consigli Construction Co.
"We strive for sustainable design because we feel it’s the responsible thing to do as an organization," said MSCBA Executive Director Edward Adelman. "MSCBA projects, including all operating costs, are funded directly from student rent and fees. Therefore, investment in energy-conserving building materials and energy-producing equipment helps to reduce rent increases to pay for higher utility costs in the future."
The redesigned residence hall will be officially unveiled Sept. 7.
