Regents approve Stockwell Hall renovation

The University will undertake a major renovation of historic Stockwell Hall as the latest project under the Residential Life Initiatives (RLI), following approval March 15 by the Board of Regents.

(Courtesy Bentley Historical Library, BL004505)

Stockwell, constructed in 1940, is a six-story brick structure that houses approximately 425 female students. With its Tudor architecture, paneled lounge and two fireplaces, the building is known as a special place, with a history of engendering a strong attachment to its traditions and distinctive features among the students who have lived there.

The renovation will preserve the building's historic character, while providing for contemporary and future needs. Dining services, formerly located within the building, will be offered in the new Hill Dining Center under construction adjacent to the Mosher-Jordan residence hall, freeing room to create meeting and community spaces for student interaction and living and learning activities. In addition, the building's infrastructure thoroughly will be upgraded, from wired and wireless high-speed network access to renovated bath facilities, to accessibility improvements, new plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation, fire detection and fire suppression systems.

(Courtesy Bentley Historical Library, BL004504)

"Mosher-Jordan and Stockwell are two of the most beautiful, architecturally distinctive residence halls in the country," says Carole Henry, assistant vice president for student affairs and director of University Housing. "Once completed, along with the new dining center, the renovation of the two halls will demonstrate the substantial impact a major renewal can have on the quality of students' residential experience."

The estimated cost is $39.6 million. Goody Clancy & Associates, also the architectural firm responsible for a similar Mosher-Jordan renovation, will design the project.

The building is named for Madelon Louise Stockwell, who in 1870 became the first woman admitted to the University.

The RLI is a comprehensive plan for student housing launched in 2004. Already underway is construction of North Quad, the first new residence hall in nearly 40 years. The design for North Quad, a unique combination of residential and academic space, was approved by the regents in December. An extensive renovation of Mosher-Jordan residence hall, and the construction of the Hill Dining Center, also have been undertaken as part of the RLI.