ST. LOUIS, MO – Lincoln University celebrated the grand re-opening of its newly renovated Dawson Hall. The event was attended by university and government officials, community leaders, students, faculty, staff and local residents.
“A complete overhaul of Dawson Hall was needed, and we are incredibly proud of how the team at S.M. Wilson took our needs and wants and delivered a transformative renovation. Students who enjoy living in this hall now have a home away from home that rivals any other university residence hall across the nation and helps them thrive at Lincoln,” commented Lincoln University President John Moseley.
Lincoln University’s Dawson Hall, a 10-story residence hall, underwent a comprehensive renovation. The project included fully updating each room by going to an open concept. On levels 2-10, each floor has a common area with a kitchen, resource rooms, a convenience store and virtual learning. The first floor now has the Main Lounge, kitchen, Esports area and the South Lounge. Other interior updates included private toilets, shower rooms, new mechanical systems, life safety and code compliance, new finishes and modernizations throughout the building. The exterior of the building received window replacements, roof repairs, waterproofing, and minor landscaping improvements.
For the project, S. M. Wilson served as the Construction Manager as Agent, with Grace Design Studios, formerly Hastings + Chivetta, as the design partner.
Originally built in 1970, the residential building housed freshman and upper-class females. In May 2009, the hall was then designated as the University’s freshmen center and became coed. Residents assigned to the hall are classified as first-time freshmen, most, but not all, having just graduated from high school. The University’s goal for this extensive renovation was to enhance the first-year experience and improve retention.
“Collaborating closely with Lincoln University on this project has been truly rewarding. As the complete renovation of Dawson Hall progressed, it became clear how fulfilling this project was for the University and how these renovations would positively impact each student’s freshman experience,” commented Ayo Ojolola, Project Manager with S. M. Wilson.
S. M. Wilson is a leader in construction management for higher education. The company has completed a variety of projects at the following institutions: Westminster College, McKendree University, Millikin University, Columbia College, Stephens College, Washington University and University of Missouri-St. Louis, to name a few.
Below: Photos from the Grand Re-Opening Ceremony earlier this month.
