Title: Neville Hall at Presbyterian College
Location of Proejct: Clinton, SC
Project Completion Date: August 3, 2017
Firm Name: Craig Gaulden Davis

Short Description: Neville Hall is the architectural icon of Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of Thornwell-Presbyterian College Historic District. The domed Georgian Revival architecture has stood proudly since 1907. Following years of deferred maintenance that devalued its character, the building was given new life through extensive restorations, renovations and a new addition. The architect was asked to restore the building's grandeur including the enclosed rotunda, upgrade the building with state-of-the-art technology, and enhance the heart of the campus with a contemporary addition for academic and student life purposes.

Architect's Statement: Commissioned to restore the original design, the architects launched an intensive study of the building’s condition and historical significance, paying particular attention to the central rotunda that had been concealed by decades of renovations. Working closely with faculty, administration and board members to execute this vision, the rotunda’s majestic volume now connects each floor to the octagonal main entrance and floods the interior with natural light. The dazzling geometry of the sculpted ceiling, arched windows, ornamental railings and custom chandelier provide a remarkable composition of architectural delight.

In preserving the exterior facade, brick was repointed and rotting ornamental fascia was replicated and replaced. The dome’s failing metal roof was repaired and insulated. Inside, preservation efforts extend beyond the restoration of the old rotunda into every corner of the facility. Historical documents and photos from the College’s archives were studied in order to reproduce original geometry, moldings, railings, and newel posts.

An old chalkboard containing handwriting from a 1940’s philosophy lecture was uncovered behind an interior wall from a previous renovation. The chalkboard was preserved and encased behind a glass frame and remains a symbol of the building’s important role in shaping the thinking of young men and women.

Within the original structure, an advantageous change of elevation at the rear of the building was utilized to create a state-of-the-art auditorium and lecture hall on the first floor immediately adjacent to the rotunda. Above this auditorium, the second and third floors are home to classrooms and faculty offices, consistent with former uses.

In addition to restoring Neville Hall’s grandeur, the architects were challenged to provide a sensitive addition to the rear facade, activating the green space that defines the heart of campus and to provide additional academic space and new student lounge. Named in honor of a local family, the Cornelson Center features a stone and glass entrance portico that honors the character, geometry, and architectural detail of the original building while asserting a more contemporary design. The interior décor features updated finishes and furnishings with all new mechanical, electrical, lighting and technology systems to establish a clean, state-of-the-art aesthetic. As a tasteful link to Neville Hall, a portion of the original façade and rear entrance is prominently preserved in the stairwell adjacent to the new student lobby.

Navigating between Neville Hall and the Cornelson Center is a seamless experience, its parallel narrative of integrating the old with the new, ever applicable, as this historic institution embraces future generations and the next century of use.

Community Impact

Neville Hall has served as the main academic building on campus for over a century, instilling an enduring sense of pride and nostalgia for all students and faculty who have passed through its doors.

What began as a need for academic space for this growing private college, quickly became a landmark project for alumni, faculty and students. The building which had the deepest cultural impact on students during their time on campus had been neglected and disrespected for decades. The depraved condition of the building forced administrators to consider the merits of demolishing the building and beginning anew. Everyone associated with the college knew that preserving this iconic building would be a catalyst for other significant architectural projects on campus, and that bringing the building back to life and sharing its history and presence with future generations would be a worthy investment. As the college represents a major part of the life of its small town, the impact on both the college and the community has been enormous. Its state-of-the-art classrooms, auditoriums, lounges and offices, enclosed within a familiar exterior with a fresh new addition remain the very heart of this beautiful campus.

Sustainable Design Strategies

The design team began with intentions of achieving LEED certification and early pursuits indicated the design could achieve a LEED Silver rating; however, during the construction documents phase, the college was not in position to achieve prerequisite points for certification, thus, the pursuit of LEED was abandoned. Inevitably, a restoration of this magnitude includes sustainable design strategies. The building was originally heated and cooled through fan coil units in the exterior wall, and the new four-pipe, forced air system provides tremendous energy efficiency. New restrooms include water efficient fixtures. A completely rebuilt roof provides valuable insulation for energy savings. LED lighting is used throughout the building to dramatically reduce electrical consumption. Regional materials and products with recycled content were utilized extensively throughout the interior.