Chapman Construction/Design completes renovations to Freese Student Center at Southern N.H. University

Manchester, NH Chapman Construction/Design (Chapman) completed the second phase of renovations to Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) Robert A. Freese Student Center. Chapman completed the project over two summer sessions, with last year’s work focused on aesthetic improvements within the campus center, while the most recent phase consisted of overhauling utility infrastructure and installing energy-efficient equipment.

The Student Center includes an Einstein’s Bagels, a student bookstore, a post office, an interfaith room, a campus pub, a commuter lounge, club offices, and a wellness center. Chapman structured the project in phases to keep the student center operational throughout construction, an approach that required extensive planning and coordination with the school, along with temporarily relocating staff and ensuring occupant safety.

For this most recent phase, Chapman’s team developed a comprehensive plan for replacing 18 gas-fired rooftop units (RTU) with full electric assemblies to utilize clean energy for daily operations. 

With lead times for the new units taking upwards of 64 weeks, Chapman’s team accounted for the long-range delivery windows to keep the project on schedule. The team ordered building materials for the rooftop units well in advance and stored them on-site, avoiding tariff-related price increases while waiting for the new HVAC equipment. 

In addition to the RTUs, Chapman also installed a sophisticated lighting package that included a full LED conversion for both interior and exterior assemblies, along with timers, dimmers, and other control devices to reduce electrical consumption when not in use. In both phases of the project, tight coordination with SNHU was essential for success as the campus is rarely empty, even during summer months. Last year, Chapman ensured the new envelope was completed and the building weather-tight before students returned; in 2026, it was necessary to make daily adjustments to schedule building shut-downs around when the campus center was in use. 

With the Robert A. Freese Student Center project complete, SNHU turned its attention to other areas of the campus that would benefit from beautification. Chapman’s team quickly pivoted to a demolition project, removing an underutilized building next door and creating new greenspace for social gatherings on campus.  

“The Student Center is at the heart of campus life. It’s a place where students connect, find support and build community,” said Meagan LaMarca, Dean of Students at SNHU. “These renovations will help ensure this important space continues to serve our students well, while also advancing SNHU’s commitment to sustainability and the thoughtful stewardship of our resources. We’re grateful to Chapman for approaching this complex project with such care and flexibility while keeping the center accessible to our campus community.”