Burlington, VT – Neagley and Chase Construction announced that the renovation of McDonald Hall on Champlain College’s campus in Burlington has been completed.
The firm worked with Colin Lindberg Architects on the restoration of the 126-year-old mansion, with the goal of preserving the historic elements of the building while bringing it into the 21st century. The project was completed in eight months.
Located on the corner of Maple Street and South Willard Street, across from Champlain College’s main campus and adjacent to Finney Quad, McDonald Hall was built as a single family residence in 1897 and was acquired by Champlain College in 1979. It is one of 21 Victorian-era residence halls on campus, and provides housing for 45 students.
With nearly 9,000sf of living area, the student amenities in the four-level masonry structure include bathrooms on each level, a first-floor lounge, and a three-season porch. Renovations included refitting the building’s lounge space with the original pocket-doors and adding additional outlets and data ports. Original historic features such as the interior wood paneling, fireplaces, and the main stairway were preserved and the first floor and lower level are now fully accessible. The renovation also included robust foundation waterproofing, masonry repointing and repair, and slate roof repair.
Sustainability elements included thermal envelope upgrades, air barrier upgrades, and installing energy-efficient windows and a new ground source heating and cooling (geothermal) and electric heat pump system. The now 100% fossil fuel-free building will contribute to Champlain’s commitment to efficiency and progress toward carbon neutrality.
A ribbon cutting and open house was held on Jan. 11 where project team members joined those from the college and community in celebrating the newly-restored building.
