Gregory J. Grappone Humanities Institute

Adaptive reuse at the heart of campus

The former campus central heating plant has recently reopened as the new home of the Gregory J. Grappone Humanities Institute. The prominent location between Alumni Hall —the college’s original building — and the college’s new welcome center provides an opportunity to highlight both a charming historic building and the central importance of the humanities to the institution.

The design transforms the existing elevated level and cavernous basement below into flexible classrooms as well as collaborative community space. The new site design and entrance highlight features of the existing building and enliven this area of campus. Over the course of four years, Placework worked with Saint Anselm leadership and faculty to develop the program, conceptual design, and budget to assess the feasibility and support fundraising. We provided full architectural and interior design, including coordination of all furnishings.