Harvard Hilles Library

REVITALIZATION OF HILLES LIBRARY BUILDS STUDENT COMMUNITY AT HARVARD

In an adaptive re-use of the Hilles Library on Harvard University’s Quadrangle, Wise Construction Corporation recently served as construction manager for a team working to create a hub for student activity on campus.  This 100,000 s/f, multi-faceted project involved the renovation of four floors previously occupied by the library to offices, work spaces, conference rooms and a penthouse café, creating a unique new resource center for over 100 diverse student organizations.

Working on a fast track schedule over a ten-week summer period to accommodate the opening of the 2006 academic school year, Wise assembled a seasoned team of professionals to integrate the redesign by Kennedy & Vrolich Architects of Boston.  Coordinating closely with the Harvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Wise developed a sensitive site utilization plan to ensure that safety was the top priority while working in and around a building in the heart of the Harvard campus.  The project included the creation of two floors of office and collaborative space utilizing the existing library stack system to re-configure the new offices boundaries.  Rather than installing traditional walls, the stacks were enclosed with an acrylic, translucent material called polygala, creating a partition which allows natural light from the open glass façade to reach the interior areas and simulate an open, spacious working environment.

The individual student offices were all equipped with secure storage cabinets and wired into the Harvard IT network.  In addition to the office space, “collaborative zones” were incorporated into both floors complete with work areas, wireless computers, printers, copiers and office supplies.  A messaging board was also made available for enhanced communications among students.  New, private offices for the Social Studies Department were built out on the lower level supported by workstations, meeting rooms and break areas.

Symbolizing the cornerstone to the newly rededicated Student Organization Center at Hilles (SOCH), a penthouse café was created atop the former library. Operating late hours to foster interaction, creativity and a sense of community among students, this gathering place features an expansive seating area overlooking the buildings’ quadrangular courtyard.  The penthouse also houses a new sound recording studio as well as a music practice room and performance venue seating 135.

Wise Construction also completed a comprehensive safety system upgrade throughout the entire building, installing a new state-of-the-art fire alarm and sprinkler system.

“At Wise, we value our long-standing client relationships.  This trust is based on a deep commitment to forming a close link between the best people providing the highest quality service.  We pride ourselves on the attention to detail we incorporate into multi-phased projects that require strong communication skills and meticulous execution while working on campuses that remain entirely occupied and fully operational.”
 
Bill Olson
Senior Project Manager
Wise Construction