Delivering vital infrastructure upgrades: American University’s McDowell Hall
Suzanne Klein is a principal and associate vice president for AECOM’s Buildings + Places business line in the U.S. East & Latin America. She specializes in higher education projects and led the planning for the renovation of American University’s McDowell Hall.
This is the second article in a two-part series highlighting our partnership with American University to transform McDowell Hall.
American University’s (AU) 2024 upgrade of McDowell Hall naturally cast a spotlight on the enhanced student experience. The renovation breathed new life into the residence hall by unveiling a dynamic interior and incorporating flexible common areas designed to foster interaction and build community.
Yet, these inviting spaces are just the visible side of the transformation. Behind the scenes, a strong collaboration between the client and the design team made the renovation possible.
A partnership built on communication and transparency
Originally constructed in the early 1960s, the nine-story residence hall was burdened by aging building systems that required costly maintenance. Recognizing an urgent need for change, AU tasked AECOM with an aggressive design and construction schedule that required all work to be completed during the 2024 summer recess.
A productive working relationship between the design team and AU’s facilities staff was vital to this project’s success. From the outset, the design team worked closely with university representatives to establish clear goals, fostering an environment of transparency and open dialogue. This collaborative approach ensured that AU’s vision was effectively translated into actionable design solutions that could be achieved within the tight construction timeline.
“Not only are AECOM’s project team members highly knowledgeable in the industry, but they also make great team partners,” said Kelvin Richardson, AU’s Assistant Director of Capital Program Management. “We met to go over the scope of the renovation design and to share our vision with the team. They immediately hit the ground running, adhering to our timelines as agreed upon and our vision just as imagined.”
Executing a time-sensitive renovation
The project’s schedule was extremely demanding to ensure all renovations were completed within a single summer break. Maintaining progress was paramount with such a tight construction window. The design team was highly responsive to client and contractor questions — typically answering RFIs and reviewing submittals within 24 hours — to keep the project on track.
“From their initial proposal, AECOM has been an advocate and trusted advisor to American University, including all of its myriad stakeholders,” said Tony Cortes, AU’s former Director of Capital Program Management. “With an aggressive design schedule, AECOM took the reins and coached the team through the planning, design and preconstruction phases, never missing a deadline and communicating with the university’s project team throughout.”
Enhancing building systems for sustainability and efficiency
Guiding the university through various infrastructure-related challenges — especially the introduction of unisex toilet rooms — was a top priority. This initiative aimed to enhance flexibility within McDowell Hall, with individual ‘pods’ offering students private access to a shower, toilet and sink, eliminating the need for duplicate facilities. The design team optimized the plumbing layout to promote cost efficiency and expedite the construction schedule. Over half of the new toilet rooms were designed to be handicapped-accessible, supporting AU’s commitment to inclusivity.
Beyond these functional improvements, the renovation also prioritized sustainability and long-term system operational effectiveness. Notable upgrades included an energy-saving cooling system, a new hot water system for improved temperature control and humidity management, and an energy recovery unit designed to precondition outside air — reducing energy consumption while easing the overall load on the building’s infrastructure.
A proactive approach to risk mitigation played a crucial role in keeping the project on track. Given the lengthy lead times for mechanical and electrical equipment, the design team worked closely with AU to identify and procure critical components early in the process. Their experience with supply chain issues allowed for seamless coordination with mechanical and electrical engineers, verifying that long-lead items were identified and managed efficiently.
Strategic cost management and quality documentation
The cost estimating team was heavily involved throughout the project. Rather than limiting construction cost feedback to milestone phases, they provided AU with real-time cost data, which allowed for more efficient financial planning. This approach resulted in building optimization without compromising quality or project scope.
Another key to the project’s success was the quality of the construction drawings. The design team delivered a clear, comprehensive set of documents that ultimately minimized change orders and provided clarity for AU and the contractors in the field.
A model for future collaboration
The McDowell Hall renovation exemplifies the impact of a strong partnership between a university and its design team. Through effective communication, proactive risk management and careful budget oversight, AECOM helped AU achieve a sustainable, on-time and cost-effective renovation that revitalized McDowell Hall for years to come.
In our first article about the renovation of McDowell Hall, we discuss in greater detail the student life improvements including flexible lounges, common rooms and kitchenettes, as well as vibrant furniture and custom wall graphics.
Special thanks to the architecture and interior studios, the engineering team and the project management staff for their great work on this project.
Other articles by this author