East Carolina University Selects Architect for $60M Residence Hall Renovations

East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., recently announced that it has selected the KWK/Jenkins Peer Architects (JPA) team, collaborating with INTREPID Architecture, to design renovations for two of its residence halls, according to a news release. The goal of the $60-million project is to offer more modern amenities, accessibility, and a better use of space for Jones Hall (built in 1958) and Legacy Hall (built in 1960).

The news release reports that Jones Hall has room for about 430 students and houses the university’s Campus Living offices. Legacy Hall has room for about 470 students and is the only residence hall on campus that is not ADA-compliant. Construction on Legacy Hall will begin in May 2025 and finish by July 2026. Construction on Jones Hall has an expected start date of May 2026 and completion date of July 2027.

Legacy Hall exterior
Image Courtesy of KWK Architects

The work includes replacing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in both halls; updating windows and roofs; installing private facilities in hall bathrooms; creating an ADA-compliant, ground-floor entrance to Legacy Hall; adding public lounge space and an elevator to Legacy Hall; and building the green space around both halls.

“The Legacy work will include the addition of a two-story mezzanine room to reinforce a contemporary sense of place and provide a welcoming space for students, in addition to incorporating access to a new elevator for all floors,” said Javier Esteban, KWK Architects Principal. “The renovation of both halls will also include updated, individual bathrooms that allow complete privacy for the students, and at the same time far exceeds ADA requirements.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Johns Hopkins Starts Construction on New Residence Hall, Dining Facility

    The Homewood Campus of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., recently began construction on a new residence hall and dining facility, according to university news. The work involves demolishing the existing Alumni Memorial Residence Hall I, which was built in 1923, to make room for the new facility.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.

  • St. John Fisher University

    Classroom Revitalization – Basil Hall Room 216

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. St. John Fisher University's Basil Hall Room 216 Classroom Revitalization has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of Spaces.