I’m writing with a fantastic new project by Cushing Terrell. The renovation of Romney Hall on the Montana State University campus modernizes the historic building, originally constructed in 1922, while preserving its character and helping the university meet the needs of a growing student population.
Project Name: Romney Hall Renovation at Montana State University
Studio Name: Cushing Terrell
Principal in Charge: Jim Beal
Project Manager: Bob Franzen, Melinda Talarico, Kevin Nelson
Project Architect: Kevin Nelson
Architectural Design/Production: Trae Schwenneker, Diego Zapata
Photographer: Karl Neumann
The modernization brings the building into the 21st century in spirit and function, with LEED Gold Certification ensuring that the building also meets environmental standards. The former physical education building now provides much-needed instructional space, adding 17 classrooms and centers for mathematics, writing, veterans, and students with disabilities (the former gym space has evolved into a dramatic classroom-in-the-round.
Built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, the building has a beautifully detailed tapestry brick façade featuring unique terra cotta spandrels decorated with sporting equipment, large wood and steel windows, copper detailing, and a barrel-vaulted metal roof.
The project tics the boxes for sustainability, preservation, adaptive reuse, and innovative design to meet current and changing campus needs.
