Adolfson & Peterson Wrap Revamp of Historic SMU Hall
By Eric Althoff
DALLAS—Construction management and contracting firm Adolfson & Peterson Construction has successfully delivered renovation work at the Clements Hall Scholars Den at Southern Methodist University (SMU). The building supports SMU’s Honors and Scholars program, including the Hilltop Scholars Program, the University Honors Program, the Rotunda Scholars Program, the Mustang Scholars Program, the Office of Engaged Learning, as well as the President’s Scholars Program.
In consultation with Moran Architects, AP renovated 6,411 square feet of space in such areas as Clements Hall’s lobby, offices, study rooms, meeting rooms as well as a lounge. The contractor upgraded the technological capabilities of the building to ensure it meets the needs of modern pedagogy.
Among its renovation duties, AP installed new quartz countertops, wood paneling, trims, doors, a glass railing system, millwork, as well as decorative metal paneling. Additional project details included installing new tiles and flooring, as well as giving the interior a thorough paint job. AP also installed an ADA wheelchair lift, MEP systems, modern AV systems, as well as updated the HVAC, electrical, and security systems.
“AP has a history of working on amazing higher education projects across the state,” said Terry Loreth, vice president with AP Gulf States. “As a premier university, SMU’s partnership with AP to renovate one of its oldest and most revered buildings is truly an honor.”
In a subsequent statement sent to School Construction News, AP Vice President of Preconstruction and Estimating Granger Hassman said that the firm was privileged to renovate an educational building as historic as Clements Hall Scholars Den.
“Working on an active campus presents a challenge, but we were able to work closely with our trade partners and the university to ensure we completed the Scholars Den with as little interruption to students and the campus as possible as it serves as the host location for SMU’s Honors & Scholars community,” Hassman said. “There’s also been a robust push to upgrade existing higher education facilities. Most higher education institutions build facilities with a 100-year design life; many structures are now approaching the time frame for renovations, repurposing or replacement.”
SMU is home for over 12,000 students. Clements Hall Scholars Den, the second-oldest building on SMU’s campus, is located in the central part of the campus on Mockingbird Lane.
“These are great opportunities to be part of helping these organizations continue to thrive and teach future leaders,” added Hassman.
AP’s other educational construction projects across Texas include past work at the University of Texas Permian-Basin, the University of North Texas, Midland College, the University of Texas in Austin and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.