Bates College
96 Campus Ave Student Residence

Higher Education:
Residential Life | Student Services

This project transformed a recently acquired former convent built in the early 1970s into a state-of-the-art residential building. The original structure lacked necessary infrastructure, energy efficiency, communal spaces, and accessibility features required of a modern facility. After careful analysis of the outdated building and potential uses, the college elected to repurpose the structure into a high-quality residential space to support the growing student population and implement energy-efficient solutions. Interior spaces were reconfigured to create enhanced, comfortable living quarters and common areas that foster social engagement and interaction. Modern ventilation, energy recovery, and plumbing systems were introduced to improve efficiency, safety, and accessibility for students.

It was important for the building to reflect a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where students could live, learn, and build a sense of community. In 10 months, Lavallee Brensinger developed a thorough understanding of the unique structural limitations to maximize and convert the facility into a dynamic student dormitory that met modern living and learning standards needed by the evolving campus community. By optimizing the layout and creating vibrant spaces, an environment conducive to student life was born. This renovation supported the college’s mission to provide a holistic, high-quality academic and residential experience.