The design solution focused on preservation. Where new architectural interventions were needed, the intent was to envision the building in the eyes of its architect, and to preserve and enhance the original architecture.

Calhoun College was designed in the Collegiate Gothic style by John Russell Pope, and built in 1932. It housed student residences, dining, study, recreation, and common rooms, faculty apartments and a master’s house. Originally designed for 120 students, over the years its population grew to approximately 240. After more than 56 years of use, overcrowding robbed the suites of their original generosity; cafeteria service was shoehorned into the former serving kitchen; common spaces were inadequate; and the basement had evolved into a series of makeshift spaces for recreation, music, theatre, and crafts. The program called for extensive suite reconfigurations, including the full redesign of the east wing. In the kitchen renovation, the basement area has been fully modernized, allowing many first floor operations to move downstairs. The first floor servery has been enlarged, and the dining hall has been restored.

The basement has undergone many changes to better organize the location of its various spaces and to provide more appropriate design for these spaces, including a lobby, a performance hall, and various activity rooms. By discretely replacing all plumbing, heating and electrical systems, installing new sprinklers, alarms and security systems, the master’s house, faculty apartments, and library were restored, as well as Calhoun’s slate roof, and stone and brick façade.