Loyola Monroe Hall Renovation

After 45 years of use, lack of classroom space, and significant moisture and maintenance issues, Loyola University decided to reimagine their primary classroom building on its landlocked campus. In a joint venture with Holabird + Root, the structure was reenvisioned as a five story renovation and 114,000 sq. ft. two story vertical addition. Forty percent of all classes at the University take place at Monroe Hall and a lack of swing space resulted in a complex multi-phase renovation with the building occupied during the duration of construction.

A new high-performance thin brick rainscreen and outboard insulation was installed to replace the original fiberglass façade and increase energy efficiency. Three new vertical circulation towers clad in curtainwall and standing seam were constructed to bring the building up to current codes. Two new floors were added for classroom space along with a 3,000 square foot greenhouse, an occupiable roof deck, and a new MEP utility penthouse for a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure.

Due to an increase in student population, the building was re-subdivided to house additional academic departments including the College of Music & Fine Arts, Information Technology, Applied Sciences, the College of Humanities & Natural Sciences, and the College of Social Sciences. State of the art laboratories, research areas, lecture halls, classrooms, dance and art studios, and a performance theater were carefully planned within the existing footprint. Wayfinding was introduced through vibrant colors and graphics for the now seven story building.

Project Role: Architectural Design Team for Exteriors, Minor Construction Administration, Minor Interior Design

Architect of Record: Holly & Smith Architects

Project Type: Higher Education

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Client: Loyola University New Orleans

Completed: 2015

Size: 374,000 sq. ft.

Cost: $70,000,000

Professional Photography: Chad Chenier, Marc Lamkin

Awards: 2016 AIA Gulf States Merit Award, 2016 AIA Baton Rouge Silver Rose Award, 2015 IIDA Delta Chapter Award of Excellence