Details on the Lakeside Communications Building, UConn, Storrs.

This project resurrects an older building to provide new offie and gathering spaces for the University of Connecticut's Communications Department, the public relations arm of the University.  The former apartment building, with small, labyrithine romms and low ceilings, has been completely transformed to provide expansive new spaces full of natural daylight.

 

Great care has been taken to preserve the historic integrity of this building, built in 1931, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  An Existing Facilities Assessment included a detailed survey of the existing slate roof and identified repair/replacement materials and techniques.  At the same time, the design meets the challenges posed by the building's tight floor-to-floor dimensions, providing amenities typical of new construction.  These include complete replacement of all building mechanical and electrical systems, along with state-of-the-art videoconferencing and IT capabilities.  The completed facility blends old and new construction into a comfortable, flexible and efficient home for the Communications Department.