WSU News Archive

PULLMAN, Wash. - A major renovation of the historic Duncan Dunn and Community residence halls was recently completed, with staff moving in Aug. 3 and students Aug. 10-11. The move-in marked the end of a 15-month project.

Located on the northwest side of campus, Community Hall was constructed in the early 1920s, with Duncan Dunn following in 1926. 

Back to bare studs

The renovation project began in April 2011, with workers tearing the building back to bare studs. The project has included new roofing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, technology, windows, finishes, furniture and landscaping. The new interior introduces lounge space, modern community kitchens and laundry facilities on every floor.

The buildings are joined by connectors that house both a new stairway and an elevator, shared spaces and a central courtyard. The combined facility at the 1.6 acre site will provide approximately 250 beds for undergraduate students.

Historic details

Louise Sweeney, WSU's project manager with Capital Planning and Development, said the design team paid special attention to the historic details in the buildings, while incorporating new details and spaces, including study spaces to maintain the feel of the original era. The living room at Duncan Dunn was refurbished to its original finishes, with carpeting removed and the original wood floor refinished. The woodwork was preserved and the fireplace, which was design by Stanley Smith, was given new life.

The courtyard, Sweeney said, was constructed where there used to be an alley between the two original buildings. The courtyard has an enlarged upper terrace off the Duncan Dunn living room and a lower covered terrace with an outdoor fireplace. The courtyard is expected to be a highlight for the students as it will house large groups for special events and will be available to the residents for outdoor space.

New main entrance

The renovated design includes a new main entrance, located in the west connector, and full ADA access from the small parking lot to the entrance where the new elevator is located.

Ruth Maclaurin, a WSU alum and artist who was a resident of Duncan Dunn in the early 1960s, generously presented WSU with a mixed media piece of artwork depicting Duncan Dunn and Stanley Smith and the residents of the hall during her residency. Her artwork is hanging in the piano nook off the Duncan Dunn living room.

A showing of Maclaurin's work will be on display in the WSU Fine Arts Gallery with an opening on Thursday, Aug. 23.

The project cost $24.6 million and is constructed following Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver standards to minimize the building's energy and water use.

The project team includes:

• Architect: Mahlum Architects

• Mechanical engineering: PAE Consulting Engineers, Inc.

• Electrical engineering: PAE Consulting Engineers, Inc.

• Structural engineering: Coughlin Porter Lundeen, Inc.

• Landscape: Walker Macy

• Contractor/GCCM: BNBuilders

• Additional firm: Taylor Engineer