Harvard University

Gore Hall Complex

Project at a Glance
Location

Cambridge, MA

Architect

Cambridge, MA

Project Type

Addition
Renovation

Project Overview

  • Aggressive 15-month gut renovation of a historic residence hall and two  wood-framed houses totaling over 100,000 sq. ft.
  • Close coordination of site logistics and scheduling with the concurrent renovation of Standish Hall on an adjacent site
  • New construction of Beren Hall, a five-story addition featuring a masonry façade that complements the historic exterior of Gore Hall

The Gore Hall Complex project encompassed major renovations to a 93,950 sq. ft. Neo-Georgian residence hall built in 1912, construction of the Beren Hall addition and the relocation/renovation of 101 Plympton and 11 Riverview, two historic wood-framed houses. The 11 Riverview house was also expanded and integrated into Gore Hall as a 7,800 sq. ft. addition. Managed as part of the overall Winthrop House Renewal Program, the project was closely coordinated with the adjacent concurrent renovations to Standish Hall. The Complex provides a total of 257 student beds within the four buildings.

This fast-tracked project delivered on the goals of Harvard’s House Renewal Program with revitalized student living areas, expanded social spaces and new academic program areas. Iconic interior areas that were preserved include the John F. Kennedy Suite, the Junior Common Room and the Dining Hall. The project also included all new M/E/P systems and extensive exterior restoration scope.

With the electrical infrastructure for the entire Winthrop House complex located in Beren Hall, the new addition serves as the “brains” of the complex, providing electrical services to both Gore Hall and Standish Hall. Upfront planning and innovative scheduling methods allowed the core/shell and fit-out of Beren Hall to be completed eight months early for the start of the fall semester along, with the rest of the complex.

The Gore Hall Complex adheres to Cambridge Historical Commission guidelines for exterior preservation and the Department of Conservation and Recreation requirements for projects on the Charles River. The project is targeting LEED Gold certification.