Breckinridge Hall Renovation

Collegiate Gothic Restoration & Expansion

Sherman Carter Barnhart programmed, planned and designed the restoration and renovation of Breckinridge Hall, as well as a 30,000 SF expansion. During the planning and design processes, it became apparent that the concrete floors, beams, and structural components which had been damaged during past renovations, would require repairing to successfully implement the design solution.

One of the most significant and challenging aspects of the project was the creation of the Experimental Black Box theater, requiring the surgical-like demolition of the floor structure between the gymnasium and the original auditorium located underneath. This challenge was compounded by the need to maintain the integrity of the steel structure, as well as the replacement of several damaged structural bracing components. The Experimental/Black Box Theater offers flexible seating and performance arrangements accommodating up to 250. Supporting the theater are new scenery and costume shops, dressing rooms, a green room and a lighting design laboratory.

Careful excavation around the existing footings and foundations ties the original building to the addition which houses the Communications Department. This area includes teaching studios for radio and television broadcast/production, the communications radio programs, the campus public radio station, two new television studios and associated control rooms.

Outside, the design solution restored the exterior to its original grandeur, created accessibility to all floors despite the steeply slope site, and created an addition that architecturally complements the Gothic style. Within Breckinridge Hall, the interior celebrates the original detailing while providing state-of-the-art educational spaces.