Johnson & Wales University Centennial Hall Renovation

The renovation and restoration to Treat Hall, renamed Centennial Hall, at Johnson & Wales University brought back to life a dormant National Register of Historic Places building originally constructed in 1886.

Now home to more than 1,500 students, Johnson & Wales needed the old facility to become a new student hub to accommodate its ever-evolving campus life. Centennial Hall was to be re-imagined and restored to its prior glory by incorporating much needed student services on campus.

Marrying its storied history with 21st century design and functionality, Centennial Hall includes 66,000 square feet of multi-purpose student study areas, an event center, classroom, administrative and faculty offices, health and counseling services, a student activity center and more. The facility also includes a new outdoor plaza that links three adjacent buildings.

Because of Centennial Hall’s historic designation as a Denver Landmark, its position on the National Register of Historic Places and an easement on the exterior elevations held by Historic Denver, the renovation came under additional scrutiny. Saunders was able to maintain the integrity of the original building through a tremendous amount of foresight, planning and communication among all stakeholders.