ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge won the "Rehabilitation Award" from the Providence Preservation Society for designing the adaptive reuse of a 30,000 s/f Student Services Center at the Downcity campus of Johnson & Wales University (JWU).
Walsh Brothers served as the General Contractor for the project.
"This project truly demonstrates Johnson & Wales University's admirable commitment to the preservation of significant historic buildings in downtown Providence," said the panel of judges in their comments.
Located at 274 Pine St. and known to many as the former Rolo Building, this two-story structure was originally built in 1921 and is a remnant of Providence's history as a center of jewelry manufacturing. Johnson & Wales commissioned ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge to design an adaptive reuse that respected the building's historic architectural integrity while integrating modern amenities and institutional requirements.
"ARC worked very closely with Johnson & Wales officials to design this unique Student Services Center," said Rob Quigley, AIA, a principal at ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge. "As a team, we achieved our goal of creating a convenient, friendly and engaging facility that encourages student interaction."
"With the transformation of the former Rolo Jewelry Building into the beautifully designed Student Services Center, we have fulfilled two of the university's guiding principles: our commitment to urban revitalization and thoughtful historic renovation," said Johnson & Wales University's Providence Campus president, Irving Schneider, Ph.D. "Creating a dynamic student-centered learning environment is at the core of our master plan for the campus. Now, at one location we can offer academic and financial services and provide assistance to our international and exchange students. ARC did a tremendous job of meeting our students' needs while preserving the historic integrity of the building."
The Student Services Center, which co-locates student support services and the University's International Center, was completed in the fall of 2008.
JWU is a world-class university, where students have an opportunity to pursue a career education in business, hospitality, culinary arts, technology or education. Its four campuses are located in Providence, North Miami, Denver and Charlotte.