KSS Architects completes renovation of College Center at Crozier-Williams

New london, CT KSS Architects, the award-winning firm with offices in Princeton, New York, and Philadelphia, has reached its completion of the College Center at Crozier-Williams (Cro) renovation at Connecticut College, which revitalizes an underutilized campus asset into the social center and heart of campus.

The design draws inspiration from the college’s arboretum identity. Bringing the arboretum inside became a unifying concept, employing biophilic and universal design strategies to activate the space, reinforce campus character, and support student wellness. The renovation encompasses the lobby, upstairs dining area, terrace, and the main event space.

The lobby redesign honors the building’s midcentury modern roots with natural materials such as wood and stone, complemented by flexible seating areas for study and social interaction.

Upstairs in the Cro’s Nest, students enjoy an open, flowing dining area featuring a relocated pub that also functions as an event space and opens onto a large terrace with views of the surrounding campus. Mindful landscaping and collaboration with the student garden underscore Connecticut College’s commitment to sustainability, creating a sense of refuge and belonging.

Originally constructed in 1957, the Cro was designed as a central gathering place for students. Over time, successive renovations diminished its role as a hub of campus life. KSS Architects’ reimagining of the building restores its original purpose, creating a welcoming environment that fosters connection among students, faculty, and staff. 

“A campus center is far more than just a building that offers student programs and services—it represents the heartbeat of student life,” said Petar Mattioni, AIA, LEED AP, partner at KSS Architects. “At KSS, we strive to deliver transformative design solutions that evolve underutilized spaces into vibrant, community-centered hubs. As student needs change, many campus buildings struggle to keep up. Strategic interventions within existing facilities can yield significant results—particularly in spaces that foster connection and invest in student success beyond the classroom.”

“The new Cro has quickly become a vibrant hub for our campus community, strengthening connections among students, faculty, and staff,” said Victor Arcelus, dean of students at Connecticut College. “KSS’s partnership was instrumental in creating a space that truly reflects the spirit and needs of the Connecticut College community. The building transformed from a quiet, underused space with bland, white-walled rooms to an activated, colorful, and inviting building that captures our identity as an arboretum campus. The renovation offers students a diverse array of spaces to connect at the center of campus, and at night, it lights up as a beacon, drawing students together.”