A New Era Begins at Perry Hall

"This facility will greatly enhance our ability to serve our students better and show off one of Burlington's historic architectural gems restored to its former glory,"

A Unique Synthesis of Priceless History and Sustainable Modernity

When Champlain College assumed ownership of the property at 251 South Willard St., a former private home it found a unique historic structure beginning to show its age. Fortunately, the home's original construction materials-slate, copper, stone, brick, hardwoods, and plasters-were of high quality and had endured remarkably well, which meant that many original features both inside and outside the residence could be saved.

The College's challenge was to preserve as much of this historical detail as possible while repurposing the building as an administrative hub and campus welcome center, and modernizing it for the 21st century.

That effort began with a meticulous plan to carefully restore the building's exterior and significant portions of the ornate first and second floors, which now serve as public areas. Project architects went to great lengths to locate new sources of marble, limestone, brick, slate, and other materials that matched the surviving original construction. Windows and other features that had been altered during various renovations were restored to their original appearance, and preservation work began on key interior details such as the structure's original open staircase, paneled ceilings, moldings, fireplaces, and rare 19th-century fixtures, all of which can be seen in virtually new condition today.

A Landmark for the Entire Community

Outside, construction began on two new wings built from locally sourced brick and stone to echo the home's existing style. Splitting new office space between these two wings allowed the architects to preserve historic views of the back lawn and Lake Champlain from the former ground-floor living rooms while creating essential facilities for students and visitors.

As work on Perry Hall itself entered its final phase, an ambitious landscaping plan was put into motion to create a wealth of new public spaces for the entire neighborhood to enjoy.

The historic east and west lawns were restored, and the west lawn was supplied with new walkways. A formal garden was established near the facility's new entrances, and a unique "wetland" garden was planted along the far edge of the west lawn to absorb storm runoff. Both gardens feature native species that John Flynn's amateur botanist wife, Nellie, collected while living on the property. In addition, an original carriage barn on the property was renovated for use as a student digital arts studio, and the property's historic caretaker's cottage was preserved in a new location on the northwest side of the property.

Sustainability for the Next 100 Years

As extraordinary as this transformation has been, the most remarkable facets of the Perry Hall restoration are those visitors can't see. Behind the scenes, a wide variety of advanced design features and technologies are working together to ensure that the building has the lowest possible environmental impacts on the health of its occupants and the world beyond its walls.

Following rigorous guidelines set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, which recognizes excellence in sustainable site development, water and energy conservation, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality, the building has made full use of nontoxic paints, carpets, and furnishings. Heat exchangers ensure a continual supply of fresh air without energy waste, and ultra-efficient lighting has been installed throughout the facility. The differing heights of the two new wings combine with the use of large glass windows to permit optimal levels of natural light and passive solar exposures.

Far beneath the property, a new geothermal pump sends water from Perry Hall's deep wells to its state-of-the-art climate control system. Because this water is naturally cooler than ambient air temperatures in the summer and warmer in the winter, the facility requires far less energy to heat and cool.

A Legacy Preserved, A Future Secured

The final result reflects a masterful partnership of architects, engineers, and leading preservation experts. Indeed, the Perry Hall restoration provides the best of all worlds: an innovative campus center that greatly strengthens the ability of the College to serve its students and guests, a spectacular new asset that enhances both its neighborhood and city, and a cherished historic landmark whose important legacy has now been secured for future generations.

"This facility will greatly enhance our ability to serve our students better and show off one of Burlington's historic architectural gems restored to its former glory," says Champlain College President Finney. "It makes a strong statement to prospective students and their families about both our commitment to quality at Champlain College and the richness of Burlington's history."

Honoring a vibrant past yet prepared for a rewarding future, Perry Hall is a living testament to the spirit of its namesake, former Champlain College president Dr. Roger H. Perry. With the College's $12 million investment now complete, it stands ready to play a central role in our community's life for the next 150 years.