Photo Credit: 2RW Consultants, Courtesy Train Architects

Virginia Tech Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown Adaptive Reuse

Blacksburg, VA

Owner

Virginia Tech

Timeframe

2004 – 2005

Size

51,820 SF

MEP/FP engineering for this phased renovation transformed the 1935/1968-vintage Hotel & Conference Center and Alumni Hall into the Graduate Life Center. This renovation focused on the conversion of the bedrooms from transient to full-time occupants, including complete bathroom upgrades, electrical power and lighting improvements, new telecommunication infrastructure, and new lounges, laundry rooms, and resident apartments.

Project Goals

Virginia Tech transformed the vintage Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center into a graduate education/life space. The goal of this phased renovation was to provide a rich learning environment through spaces, services, and programming that enhance the graduate education experience. With this renovation, the building has remained a tribute to Don Brown, a corporate trailblazer and dedicated Virginia Tech alumnus.

Services

The phased renovation in the summers of 2005 and 2006 changed the 1935/1968 vintage Hotel & Conference Center and Alumni Hall into the Graduate Life Center. This renovation focused on the conversion of the bedrooms from transient to full-time occupants, including complete bathroom upgrades, electrical power and lighting improvements, new telecommunication infrastruture, and new lounges, laundry rooms and resident apartment.

2RW provided MEP/FP engineering design for this adaptive reuse, which included:

  • HVAC assessment
  • Bathroom upgrades
  • Electrical power and lighting improvements
  • New telecommunication infrastructure
  • New student lounges
  • Laundry rooms
  • Student apartments

Results

Partners

Train Architects

Awards

2RW Logo
Team

Project Gallery

Image credit

2RW Consultants, Courtesy Train Architects