The Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics at Washington and Lee University intended to take advantage of space in the vacated Co-op Building, now Holekamp Hall, to expand their nationally recognized program. For over nine decades, the Colonial Revival structure (c. 1910) quietly stood in the shadow of the Williams School, serving the campus as a dining hall, then as the campus bookstore. G&HA gave the building new life, completely renovating it from the inside out - providing attractive offices for faculty and staff, as well as group study areas. Design goals included preserving the building’s exterior character and reestablishing a vestige of the original double-height interior, while inserting a new mezzanine that provides the much needed space to transform the building into a modern academic center.
The interior design integrates with the building’s architecture. The lobby provides an inviting welcome and reception, while balancing the need for practicality and durability. The custom designed lanterns, lamps, and tables also take direction from the architectural motif. Desired collaboration space doubles as an art gallery showcasing items from the University’s collection as well as travelling exhibits.
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