The first project from the Peabody Campus Masterplan, completed by Centric Architecture and SGA Architects, is the full restoration and addition of the 1912-era Home Economics and Mayborn buildings. The project included construction of new academic space connecting the two historic buildings. The addition houses an elevator and negotiates between the various existing building levels, thereby addressing the project’s inclusion and accessibility needs. Renovation scope included all new MEP systems, new exterior door and windows, all new finishes, lighting, security, egress and other improvements. The project is targeting LEED Gold and the material petal of the Living Building Challenge.
The connecting addition house the college’s first large scale active learning classrooms. These spaces are designed to be flexible academic environments with state-of-the-art technology for collaborative teaching and learning experiences. The connector’s glass façade looks over the Peabody Esplanade and utilizes energy efficient glass, vertical fins, and natural foliage shading for enhanced efficiency.
A 3-story grand stair connects all the levels of the connector building, and provides a space for casual meetings and organized group work. The lowest level of the grand stair leads to a large flexible gathering space, café, and a maker space. A 40’ green trellis wall connects the 3-story space and reminds public of the sustainability goals and principles that guided the project development.
