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Glunz Hall at Judson University
Glunz Hall at Judson University
Elgin, IL, United States
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Glunz Hall at Judson University
Elgin, IL, United States
Located at 28 N. Grove Avenue, overlooking the Fox River, Glunz Hall is a bold adaptive reuse project that reimagines a former mid-century modern bank headquarters building in downtown Elgin, Illinois, as a hybrid live/work residence and design studio for graduate architecture students at Judson University. Developed by Studio Vertex, in partnership with Future Architect Fund, and led by Judson alumnus Benjamin Glunz, the project embodies a holistic vision, uniting architectural preservation, educational innovation, and urban revitalization in a single transformative intervention.
Originally constructed in the early 1960s as a bank headquarters, the building had stood vacant for a number of years before the project’s inception. Rather than demolish the structure, the design team retained its clean lines, concrete structure, and expansive windows, embedding the project with both environmental and cultural sustainability. Leveraging the building’s existing framework helped minimize embodied carbon and respected the city’s architectural heritage, while collaborative zoning and planning efforts facilitated a transition from commercial to educational and residential use.
Inside, the building’s aesthetic reflects a deliberate layering of old and new: exposed concrete, metal accents, and polished floors evoke its industrial legacy, while Art Deco-inspired lighting, geometric motifs, and refined finishes introduce a humanizing warmth. This interplay of materials creates a cohesive environment that is both professional and inviting, an ideal setting for architectural education.
Glunz Hall is divided across two levels and includes 13 residential units—five studios and eight one-bedroom apartments—housing up to 40 graduate students enrolled in Judson’s Master of Architecture program. Each unit is designed to support both independent living and academic rigor, with generous access to natural light, thoughtful spatial planning, and views of the Fox River and Elgin’s historic downtown.
On the ground floor, the Glunz Studio for Architecture and Urbanism serves as a collaborative hub. Outfitted with flexible workstations, modern office amenities, digital displays, and a dedicated critique/conference space, the studio allows students to meet with faculty and work late without leaving the building. This setup supports both daily instruction and community engagement, fostering a dynamic environment where learning, collaboration, and creativity coexist seamlessly. Beyond its academic function, the building acts as a “living lab” for architectural materials and systems. Every product, from Corian® countertops and Behr® paints to Delta® faucets, Homasote® acoustic panels, Visual Comfort lighting, FreeAxez® access flooring, and Trim-Tex® drywall accessories, is a part of a hands-on materials library donated by manufacturers and integrated into the built environment. Students live with and learn from the very products they study, gaining firsthand exposure to real-world applications. In addition to their generous donations, many of the manufacturers involved in the project will continue their relationship with Judson by hosting workshops at Glunz Hall, giving students direct access to technical expertise and material science that extends beyond what textbooks provide.
The project also exemplifies urban integration. Located within walking distance of transit hubs, local businesses, and civic spaces, Glunz Hall immerses students in a living urban context aligned with new urbanist principles. By eliminating commutes and embedding learning within the rhythms of city life, the design fosters deeper engagement with place, community, and professional practice.
More than a building, Glunz Hall is a story of architects building for architects. It was conceived, designed, and made possible by Judson alumni through the Future Architect Fund, which mobilized donations, discounted property acquisition, and in-kind material contributions. This spirit of professional mentorship and community investment is embodied in the space itself, offering a replicable model for educational institutions, municipalities, and designers seeking to revitalize downtowns through purposeful, adaptive design.
Originally constructed in the early 1960s as a bank headquarters, the building had stood vacant for a number of years before the project’s inception. Rather than demolish the structure, the design team retained its clean lines, concrete structure, and expansive windows, embedding the project with both environmental and cultural sustainability. Leveraging the building’s existing framework helped minimize embodied carbon and respected the city’s architectural heritage, while collaborative zoning and planning efforts facilitated a transition from commercial to educational and residential use.
Inside, the building’s aesthetic reflects a deliberate layering of old and new: exposed concrete, metal accents, and polished floors evoke its industrial legacy, while Art Deco-inspired lighting, geometric motifs, and refined finishes introduce a humanizing warmth. This interplay of materials creates a cohesive environment that is both professional and inviting, an ideal setting for architectural education.
Glunz Hall is divided across two levels and includes 13 residential units—five studios and eight one-bedroom apartments—housing up to 40 graduate students enrolled in Judson’s Master of Architecture program. Each unit is designed to support both independent living and academic rigor, with generous access to natural light, thoughtful spatial planning, and views of the Fox River and Elgin’s historic downtown.
On the ground floor, the Glunz Studio for Architecture and Urbanism serves as a collaborative hub. Outfitted with flexible workstations, modern office amenities, digital displays, and a dedicated critique/conference space, the studio allows students to meet with faculty and work late without leaving the building. This setup supports both daily instruction and community engagement, fostering a dynamic environment where learning, collaboration, and creativity coexist seamlessly. Beyond its academic function, the building acts as a “living lab” for architectural materials and systems. Every product, from Corian® countertops and Behr® paints to Delta® faucets, Homasote® acoustic panels, Visual Comfort lighting, FreeAxez® access flooring, and Trim-Tex® drywall accessories, is a part of a hands-on materials library donated by manufacturers and integrated into the built environment. Students live with and learn from the very products they study, gaining firsthand exposure to real-world applications. In addition to their generous donations, many of the manufacturers involved in the project will continue their relationship with Judson by hosting workshops at Glunz Hall, giving students direct access to technical expertise and material science that extends beyond what textbooks provide.
The project also exemplifies urban integration. Located within walking distance of transit hubs, local businesses, and civic spaces, Glunz Hall immerses students in a living urban context aligned with new urbanist principles. By eliminating commutes and embedding learning within the rhythms of city life, the design fosters deeper engagement with place, community, and professional practice.
More than a building, Glunz Hall is a story of architects building for architects. It was conceived, designed, and made possible by Judson alumni through the Future Architect Fund, which mobilized donations, discounted property acquisition, and in-kind material contributions. This spirit of professional mentorship and community investment is embodied in the space itself, offering a replicable model for educational institutions, municipalities, and designers seeking to revitalize downtowns through purposeful, adaptive design.
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