High-Profile: March 2026 | Page 18

18 High-Profile Focus: Schools and Institutions March 2026

by Eliza Baron

When construction began in 2024 on The Hotchkiss School Dining Commons, the objective was clear: expand and modernize the existing 33,000sf facility while preserving the architectural character that has long defined it. Located at the center of campus, the dining hall serves as a daily gathering place for students and faculty. The completed project increases the footprint to 44,000sf and introduces upgraded kitchen, dining, and multi-use spaces designed to support campus life beyond mealtimes. Delivering that expansion within an active academic

The upgraded servery features modern equipment and flexible stations, supporting a more efficient dining experience while complementing the hall’ s restored architectural character. environment, and within the framework of a historic structure, shaped nearly every phase of construction.

Preserving Character While Modernizing Performance

From the outset, the school emphasized maintaining the building’ s identity. Signature elements such as the octagon windows, fireplace surround, and inscribed wood paneling bearing historic names were central to the design intent.

During demolition, 80-year-old millwork and paneling were carefully salvaged, restored by hand, and stored offsite until reinstallation. Blending restored

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The reimagined main dining hall blends restored woodwork with expanded seating and modern systems, creating a welcoming, flexible gathering space at the center of campus life.

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materials with new construction required detailed coordination and mock-ups to ensure consistency in tone and finish.

Site work reflected the same sensitivity. Mature trees are an important part of the Hotchkiss landscape. The team worked around several large specimens and replaced a ginkgo tree removed to accommodate the expanded footprint, ensuring that the project respected both the building and its surroundings.

Restored inscribed wood panels preserve the historic character of the Hotchkiss Dining Hall within the newly expanded space.

Careful Planning around Student Life

Logistics presented one of the project’ s most significant challenges. With the building situated in the heart of campus, pedestrian activity remained constant throughout construction.

Material deliveries were tightly sequenced to limit congestion. With minimal laydown space, the team relied heavily on just-in-time deliveries to maintain workflow without overwhelming the confined footprint. Temporary crosswalk controls and enhanced wayfinding signage helped manage pedestrian flow and reinforce safety.

Communication with campus leadership was continuous. Weekly Owner-Architect-Contractor( OAC) meetings were supplemented by daily coordination with facilities staff. During exam periods and graduation events, operations were modified to reduce noise and adjust equipment use. While the construction schedule remained intact, execution adapted to the rhythms of campus life.

Navigating Renovation Complexities

As with many renovation projects, tying new construction into an existing structure revealed challenges once demolition progressed. Structural integration required close coordination with engineers and the design team.

A notable constraint was an active chilled water line serving the campus that ran through the building. Because the system remained operational during cooling season, demolition sequencing had to accommodate live infrastructure. Full modifications could proceed only after the chillers were taken offline, requiring careful planning and trade coordination.

Technology also played a preventive role. During VDC coordination, the team identified that the mechanical room, as designed, would not accommodate modern equipment. Addressing the issue before installation required modifications to concrete and masonry but prevented more significant disruptions later, demonstrating the value of digital coordination when integrating contemporary systems into older structures.

A Space Reimagined

Beyond expanded dining and kitchen operations, the upgraded facility now includes indoor and outdoor multi-use spaces designed for studying, meetings, and informal gatherings. The building functions throughout the day as a flexible campus hub rather than solely a dining venue.

For the project team, success is measured less in square footage than in how the space is used. Seeing students and faculty gather, study, and connect signals that the renovation achieved its broader objective.

Restored inscribed wood panels line the main hallway, honoring Hotchkiss tradition as students enter the renewed dining hall.

Renovating and expanding a historic structure in the center of an active campus required logistical discipline, adaptability, and close collaboration. The result is a facility that supports modern performance standards while maintaining the architectural identity that defines the Hotchkiss campus.

Eliza Baron is marketing & communications manager at O & G Industries, Inc. www. high-profile. com