Title: Agnes Scott College Rebekah Scott Hall Restoration & Renovation
Location of Proejct: Decatur, GA
Project Completion Date: 2018
Firm Name: Jenkins Peer Architects

Short Description: Work involved renovating and modernizing the historic Rebekah Scott Hall (circa 1905) to create a state-of-the-art Welcome Center / Residential Community. The project included rehabilitation of the structure's critical historic features, renovation of building systems and exterior envelope, interior design that improves environmental conditions, accessibility upgrades, code, and programmatic changes. The architect was able to complete the scope of work and successfully deliver a building that fully represents the College's commitment to sustainable operations and desire to create a lasting legacy of environmental responsibility. This project was awarded LEED Platinum for New Construction.

Architect's Statement: Founded in 1889 as a female seminary in Decatur, Georgia, Agnes Scott College is an independent national liberal arts college for women. In 1905, the school enlisted the Atlanta architectural firm Bruce & Morgan to design an impressive new Italian Renaissance Revival structure to keep up with their growth, and Rebekah Scott Hall became the second permanent building on campus. Rebekah Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property to the South Candler Street-Agnes Scott College Historic District.

The firm was engaged by the College in 2014 to conceive a design concept and master plan for the complete renovation and restoration of the historic Rebekah Scott Hall (circa 1905). The master plan was subsequently used to raise the funds for the project. The exterior scope of work included restoring wood trim elements like the cupolas; cleaning and repointing the masonry and stone with appropriate materials and methods; new roofing; and installing a new drainage system that collects stormwater to be used for irrigation.

Inside, the design team was challenged by a building footprint and structural system that was not necessarily conducive to modern office or bedroom layouts. Existing conditions included deep bays, irregular column placement, and irregular load-bearing wall locations. The team worked with the college to re-imagine the first floor to include a vibrant new Welcome Center, a multi-use great room, modern offices, and student gathering and study spaces, all while maintaining access to daylight and views of the beautifully landscape campus.

On the upper levels, student residences were cooled by open windows and box fans; and, dated florescent and incandescent fixtures provided poor lighting. These residential areas were dramatically improved, with the addition of air conditioning; new, energy-efficient lighting; and a complete interior renovation to create comfortable and inviting spaces for living, studying, and socializing.

The team was able to greatly improve space utilization and flow by removing an internal stair that had been made redundant by past renovations, a move that made a huge impact on all three floors. The team restored high ceilings and celebrated the historic nature of the building through new trim work and improved lighting.

Throughout the building, the team worked to maximize accessibility and efficiency. This included improvements to Rebekah’s crawlspace, attic, and other mechanical areas, allowing the facilities staff to safely maintain building systems, ensuring Rebekah will operate efficiently for decades to come.

For the care the team took in the exterior and interior enhancements, the project received the 2019 Chairman’s Award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, noting special achievement in Sustainable Rehabilitation.

With the renovation, all building occupants have conditioned, filtered air in amounts that are well above the LEED requirement for increased outdoor airflow (30% above code levels). This will lower CO2 and VOC levels, and as studies have shown this will help cognitive performance. Higher quality, more efficient lighting will prevent eyestrain and improve social mood and health. The College’s ongoing green maintenance and housekeeping policies will ensure that building health and air quality will continue to thrive.

One of the most significant decisions was the College’s decision to utilize a geothermal system. In an urban campus setting, finding the space to locate a suitably sized geothermal field can be very challenging. The College chose to go a direction that few owners do and reduce their parking footprint. The parking lot to the southwest of Rebekah was an ideal location for a geothermal field and developing it would create a wonderful new green space that the entire campus & surrounding community could enjoy. Removing the lot also strengthened the College’s commitment to alternative transportation, reduced their overall heat island, and reduced the amount of storm water run-off generated by the campus. The campus collects and reuses storm water run-off for all of its irrigation needs, which will keep the gardens healthy without using potable water.

This strategy, along with strategies that reduced water usage and improved interior environmental conditions, resulted in a 35% energy reduction and 41% reduction in water usage. Rebekah Hall has been certified LEED 2009 NC Platinum.

Agnes Scott College as a whole plays a major role in the Decatur, Georgia community and the greater Atlanta metro. The campus is physically and culturally integrated into Decatur neighborhoods and fronts onto downtown. Rebekah Hall is the physical and symbolic front door to the campus, housing the Welcome Center and facing two major thoroughfares.

Rebekah know stands as an example and symbol of the campus commitment to preserving their history, enhancing their community connections, resiliency, and sustainability. Not only are the grounds a healthier, safer place for community members to enjoy, but students and their families are greeted with the power that thoughtfulness and design can achieve.