Spelman's Multi-Million Green Project

Spelman College's 125-year-old campus has undergone a multimillion-dollar transformation, increasing greenspace and improving pedestrian flow while preserving the rich character of the historic property.

HGOR an Atlanta-based urban design and landscape architecture firm ‹ spearheaded the approximately $1 million project. The centerpiece is a grassy expanse that originally was a parking lot and the site of a temporary trailer. This "backyard" to campus now fronts The Suites, a new 303-bed residence hall, and features an oval-shaped quadrangle with open lawns amidst large canopy trees, walkways, a dining terrace, casual wall seating and an amphitheater that will allow for performances, outdoor teaching and other social activities.

"The design honors the significance of this historical institution by enhancing the campus experience and academic environment," said R. Umashankar, campus planner for HGOR. "Anytime we can blend a sense of history with a focus on future achievement, we are excited by the challenge."

HGOR ‹ which began working with Spelman College about two years ago ‹ also helped the college make several careful improvements to the historic portions of campus. A service road leading to the amphitheater was changed into a pedestrian-friendly walkway that allows for the occasional vehicle. The exterior of the highly prominent Sister's Chapel was altered and an attractive rotunda was added. Additionally, the walkways were improved and native plants were added around the President's residence for better separation of public and private areas.

This careful merging of the old with the new has created a more connected, walkable campus that is "very welcoming," said Demetria Patton, a senior English major at Spelman College and current resident advisor at The Suites residence hall. "Its engaging atmosphere has brought new life to this historic campus. The students are buzzing with curiosity about how we can
put the amphitheater to good use and take advantage of our beautiful new quad."

Spelman College administrators are pleased, too. Said Robert Danny Flanigan, vice president of business and financial affairs: "It's quite remarkable."


For more information on Spelman College, visit www.Spelman.edu.

For more information on HGOR, visit www.hgor.com.

Spelman College Showcases ‘Green’ Housing

Sweeping views of historic West End, a scenic courtyard, a 175-seat dining hall, and energy efficient suite-style rooms are just some of the amenities to be showcased Friday, Oct. 17, at  5 p.m. at the dedication tour of the new Spelman College state-of-the-art "green" residence hall called The Suites.

Community members, special guests and Spelman College faculty, staff and students will witness the sustainable future firsthand when they tour the first and only residence hall in the Atlanta University Center to be built with eco-friendly features and architectural attributes. Submitted for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification through the U.S. Green Building Council, The Suites will be the first LEED-certified residence hall at an HBCU.

"The Suites is a major part of Spelman’s commitment to sustainability," says Sherry Turner, Ph.D., Spelman vice president of Student Affairs. "Students who are residents of this new ‘green’ facility have the opportunity to not only learn about being environmentally responsible, but they can live it, too."

Designed as a 303-bed residential hall, the 201,455-square-foot facility also includes a 100-car parking deck with preferred parking for environmentally friendly, low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles, and covered bicycle storage.

Based on its many energy-efficient and eco-friendly features, The Suites is projected to receive a Silver LEED Rating.. The building was constructed and designed with increased water efficiency developments, low-emitting materials such as adhesives, sealants, paints and carpet, includes recyclable collection and storage on site, 20 percent of building materials were manufactured locally, with 75 percent of construction waste being diverted from landfills. Green housekeeping and site management is planned for the building’s day-to-day operations. Design features also include a meeting room, a private dining room, an exercise room, 10 recycling stations, art gallery, five television lounge areas, four sitting rooms, and 10 study areas.

Art E. Frazier, Spelman’s director of Facilities Management & Services, explained buildings constructed in the U.S. significantly impact our environment. “They consume 71 percent of electricity, 30 percent of the nation’s raw materials, and 12 percent of our water, while producing 40 percent of CO2 emissions and 30 percent of waste input.” Citing some of the environmental benefits of The Suites, Frazier added, “By constructing The Suites as a LEED Building, we reduced the consumption of raw materials by specifying a number of materials with recycled content. The Suites will consume 30 percent less water and 21 percent less energy than a typical building of its size.”

The eight-story building houses 54 two-bedroom suites, 25 three-bedroom suites and 30 four-bedroom suites, one resident director suite and five visitor’s suites. The occupant population will consist of seniors, juniors and sophomores.

Ashlee Haynes, C’2009, a resident assistant at The Suites, said she became aware of sustainability issues during her junior year at Spelman. Since then, she says, “Recycling has become a part of my everyday life and I encourage my family to recycle at home.” Haynes also explained, “Living in The Suites encourages me to be more environmentally responsible because it is a green building."

“Campus living fosters a sense of belonging and enriches students’ intellectual, and social lives," says Dr. Turner. "We know from research that students who live on campus do better academically and are more likely to achieve in other areas such as leadership. The Suites provides and ideal context for enriching our living and learning community.

For more information regarding Spelman College, visit www.spelman.edu.