Mount St. Mary's University
Emmittsburg, MD

“The Mount” was founded nearly 200 years ago on 1,400 acres in Western Maryland and provides undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as preparation for the priesthood at the second oldest seminary in the nation. ASG is in the preliminary stages of conceptual design for renovation of an 83,000 gsf, five-story residence hall built in 1880 but expanded over time.

At present, rooms typically are doubles with gang baths. Apartments with an exterior loggia and balcony above occupy the ground floor. A portion of the first floor has an intermediate mezzanine level of double rooms, creating a sectional break in floor elevations that compromises accessibility. In addition, sporadic placement of stairwells means students maneuver a network of challenging corridors and passages.

ASG is developing conceptual floor plans that take into consideration the University’s desire to preserve the historic building exterior while making significant internal modification to improve the student residence experience. Improvements include upgrading life safety issues, clarifying circulation and way finding, upgrading the unit types, spaces in which to foster community building ,as well as other student amenities (including laundry, kitchen and fitness spaces).