Project description
Baker Residence Hall is one of CU Boulder’s most historic student housing buildings and has not received a significant renovation in more than 75 years. The renovation modernized the 115,000-square-foot facility with new residence hall rooms, improved academic spaces, updated community areas, and new building systems. The dorm now includes 256 student bedrooms, an academic suite with classrooms and offices, a shared student kitchen, and commons areas that support student life and study needs.
Cator, Ruma, and Associates provided the mechanical, electrical, and technology design, along with construction administration for the renovation. The mechanical overhaul introduced chilled-water service and four-pipe fan-coil units, providing air conditioning to the building for the first time. Each bedroom now has individual temperature control, improving comfort and allowing students to manage their own environment. Additional sustainable design strategies helped the building achieve LEED Platinum certification.
The electrical work included extensive upgrades and a complete replacement of the fire alarm system. A new SimplexGrinnell horn-and-strobe system was installed throughout the building to meet modern life-safety requirements. Technology improvements supported academic spaces, student services, and building operations.
The renovation preserves Baker Hall’s historic identity while providing modern systems, comfort, efficiency, and functionality for today’s students.
Guiding Principles for the Design
- Preserve History While Modernizing
- Create a Student Centered Environment
- Improve Comfort and Control
- Enhance Safety and Efficiency