Adams Hall Undergoing Major Renovation

Story posted May 25, 2007

START DATE: June 2007
ESTIMATED OCCUPANCY DATE: August 2008
PROJECT MANAGER: Greg Hogan
ARCHITECT: Harriman Associates - Auburn, Maine
CONTRACTOR: Ouellet Associates, Inc. - Brunswick, Maine

A significant renovation project has begun on Seth Adams Hall. Constructed in 1861 to house science laboratories and a new Medical College, the building last saw major work in 1950. At that time the main stair was reconfigured and a second one was added in the northwest corner. Many of the classrooms and offices were reorganized during the renovation but have witnessed little work since.

Rendering of the renovated Adams Hall

Current renovation plans will add an accessible entrance and elevator tower to the west side of Adams Hall. The tower will be separated from the existing building by a glass lobby. Materials, forms and placement of the new construction have been designed to respect and preserve the traditional architecture of this landmark building. One of the greatest challenges was to accommodate elevator access to the fourth floor attic. The resulting addition is some 65 feet above ground level. When completed, the new lobby spaces will command views south to the campus quadrangle.

As part of the interior renovations, Adams Hall will increase the number of faculty and department offices to 28. Also added will be a new classroom, department common areas and conference spaces. The majority of this work will take place on the upper two floors where nearly every square foot will be reconstructed.

Building codes have advanced a great deal over the last century and a half. An analysis of the wood roof truss, which supports the fourth floor, determined that it will require substantial reinforcing to meet today's structural loading requirements. This will be achieved by a choreographed installation of steel members brought in through window openings and reassembled and secured once inside.

Perhaps as exciting as the new spaces being designed for Adams are the building system upgrades. A state-of-the-art HVAC system is being installed including air-conditioned ventilation and a new heating system. This will result in a more controllable and comfortable environment. Electrical and technology upgrades are planned as are new lighting and safety improvements.

Work isn't being limited to the inside of the building. A new copper roof with skylights and reconditioning of the exterior brick walls and chimneys are part of the work to be performed. The outcome of all of this effort will be a modern classroom building within a 150-year-old structure.

The $5.4 million construction project is expected to last 10 months and be ready for occupancy in May 2008.

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