Renovations at Agnes Scott, Spelman Colleges Create Specialized Learning Environments

Renovation projects at two of metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia’s historical educational institutions: Spelman College in Atlanta, the nation’s oldest historically Black college for women, and Agnes Scott College in Decatur, a historically female university serving Atlanta for over 130 years, are complete. The $1.5-million projects add specialized amenities to both campuses. Swinerton Builders served as the general contractor on both projects.

At Agnes Scott College, an underutilized administrative space was transformed into a professional-grade production facility and two classrooms that total 1,700 square feet. Designed for video filming and podcasting, the renovated studio features advanced acoustical treatments, over-floor raceways for flexible power access and a dedicated viewing room to support content creation.

Swinerton was responsible for demolishing the existing space, reconfiguring the ceilings and structural supports and coordinating multiple trades to create the various environments. The contractor’s self-perform team installed drywall, metal framing, ceiling tiles, door frames and doors and hardware, as well as painted the interior spaces. In the classrooms, new flooring and wall finishes were installed to enhance the overall learning environment. Designed by Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects, the new studio and classroom are located in the Dana Building, while an additional classroom is in the Buttrick Building.

At Spelman College, the project team delivered a new student and faculty café on the ground level of the recently completed Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & The Arts, an $86-million facility that houses some of the school’s arts and STEM programs, as well as an innovation lab.

The team was responsible for overseeing modifications to the existing mechanical systems and the installation of new plumbing, drain lines and ceiling needed to support commercial-grade kitchen equipment and self-service refrigerators. Custom millwork was also completed throughout the 1,100-square-foot space. In addition, the self-perform team built a furring wall and installed ceiling tiles along with a baffled light fixture that enhances overall acoustics and aesthetics. They also framed the space and installed drywall. Designed by SCOPOS Hospitality Group in partnership with Interior Architects, the café opened this summer.