Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV
accelerated course in construction success
This is one of those projects that went seamlessly. We took it on, analyzed it, and built it in record time, with no significant schedule, budget, or construction problems and in plenty of time for students to move in for the beginning of the school year. Located on West Campus, Potomac Place at Shepherd University is a five-story, L-shaped building that houses approximately 300 students. The first level of the building is a steel frame podium and includes the lobby, a lounge, classrooms, retail and dining facilities, laundry facilities, bike storage, mail and package rooms, and mechanical spaces. Four levels of wood frame construction on top of the podium contain the residential units.
Each residential floor consists of two wings and has space for 36 students and an RA organized around a central study lounge. Additional private study spaces are provided at the ends of each wing. There are two primary unit types: a four-bed suite with two double-occupancy bedrooms and two full bathrooms, and a two-bed suite with two single-occupancy bedrooms and a shared bathroom. There are also ADA-compliant versions of each unit. These unit types allow for an ideal mix of personal space and group interaction.
The building façade consists primarily of brick veneer that complements the reddish color of the surrounding buildings on the West Campus. The ground level is open with large expanses of glass in the public amenity areas, while the upper levels feature individual windows. There are three main outdoor amenities to the site: the great lawn, the dining and gathering terrace, and the colonnade. The great lawn is situated between the two wings of the building and serves as a large gathering space for building residents to use. Two concrete seat walls were installed bordering the great lawn to act as retaining walls and to also create a mini amphitheater for teaching or impromptu performances. The dining and gathering terrace create a more urban feel and provide outdoor seating areas.
How Harkins Made a Difference
- We fostered a great relationship between the construction consultants, the developer, and the university through our regular, detailed, and transparent communication.
- The members of the Harkins project team were on hand on move-in day to help students get their things inside and settle in to their state-of-the-art dormitory.
Outstanding project, team, service and quality. EdR looks forward to finding more opportunities to use Harkins on an upcoming project.