Old East and Old West Dormitories, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
chapel hill, north Carolina
The paired Old East and Old West dormitories stand opposite each other and frame the quadrangle at the heart of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus, the first state university in the country. Old East is designated a National Historic Landmark and the oldest public university building in America. Constructed between 1793 and 1795, the “East Building” served as the all-purpose dormitory-classroom campus building until the second university building was completed.
In the 1820s, William Nichols, one of the first trained architects to work in North Carolina, designed Old West to match the style of Old East and added a third floor and extension to Old East to match the height of the new West building. Nationally acclaimed New York architect A. J. Davis designed the last addition to Old East in 1843-46. Both buildings have been occupied by students almost continuously since construction.
When the administration questioned their continued use, JKOA was asked to assess the buildings and determine the feasibility of continued use as dormitories. Among the more serious condition issues were leaking roofs, clusters of failing paint on exterior walls, and large sections of failing wood flooring and framing. Serious deterioration at the large bathrooms had spread to adjacent spaces.
JKOA was subsequently hired to develop a comprehensive repair strategy. The repairs would have to be conducted during just one school year, beginning immediately after the May commencement and ending fifteen months later in mid-August, one week before students’ arrival for the fall semester.
Among a comprehensive set of exterior repairs was installation of new copper roofs and Philadelphia gutters, and repair of severely deteriorated stone sills. New room layouts were designed to accommodate individual bathrooms and HVAC units. Adding complexity, the total occupancy per dormitory was expected to increase.
The project was closely monitored by the owner’s representatives which included two project managers and representatives from five university divisions, each with their own areas of concern. In addition, the NC State Construction Office singled out the project for special review status given the history of frequent repairs. The project was completed on time, within budget, and to the approval of the multiple parties involved.
Project services
Architecture
Historic preservation
Historical research
Condition assessment
Building archaeology and forensics
Materials testing and conservation
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering
Construction administration
Cost estimating