Indiana University, Willkie Quad Renovation

Bloomington, Indiana

Firm

Jacobs

Client

Indiana University

Area

269,300 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$23,500,000

Completion Date

06/1999

Faced with housing-vacancy rates as high as 25 percent because of outdated facilities and increased off-campus housing, Indiana University needed to create housing that students would find attractive. The reconfiguration and renovation plan for the 1,300-bed Wilkie Quad—the most typical example of the university’s housing stock—converted it to an 800-bed suite configuration. This helped the university take its first step towards matching actual on-campus housing demand, as well as producing a financially self-sustaining housing enterprise.
Prior to the renovation, each floor of the twin 11-story buildings featured two-person rooms anchored by an elevator, lounge and two large communal bathrooms. To make it more appealing to students, the floor plan was reconfigured to single-occupancy suites with semi-private adjoining bathrooms. All window units were replaced with more energy-efficient windows. Installing central air conditioning made the rooms more comfortable for students and summer visitors. Additional amenities include laundry, vending and physical-fitness areas on the ground floor of each tower.

Photographer: ©Peter Wilson