THP provided structural design services to renovate the 182,000 SF Calhoun Hall into a modern dormitory with rooms and common spaces at the University of Cincinnati (UC). THP’s previous experience with UC and the project design team allowed a heightened level of understanding of the project’s expectations and possible limitations.

One major component of the project involved understanding the technology required to replace the building’s façade. The design team installed megapanels to reskin the building, utilizing this new technology to provide the best options for the owner, including a decreased schedule duration and cost savings.

THP addressed structural challenges by designing new brackets off existing columns around deteriorated concrete. By incorporating slab extensions and shifting the new exterior façade to align with the outer face of the columns, the team not only gained valuable room square footage but also widened the hallways by an additional foot.

A pedestrian bridge was also designed to connect Calhoun and the neighboring Siddall Hall, requiring a support post to be added inside of Siddall Hall, while the building was still occupied by students. The new bridge solved University concerns, including providing a direct connection between Calhoun and Siddall Hall, decreasing congestion in the area, and providing an improved pathway from Calhoun Hall to campus.