Stanford University’s stunning historic student residences—Toyon and Branner Halls—were both in need of a significant overhaul. Built in the early 1920’s and designed by the prominent San Francisco architectural firm, Bakewell and Brown, the dormitories needed major seismic upgrades; disabled-access improvements; fire sprinklers; and new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The most difficult challenge of the combined project was the accelerated schedule, due to the university’s need to minimize dorm closures during the academic year. On Toyon, this meant much of the work had to be substantially completed in twelve weeks during the summer months, while Branner had a slightly less frantic schedule.
CAW was able to meet the aggressive schedule set by the university, renovating both buildings without displacing hundreds of students—a significant project cost savings. The renovations that significantly improved the life-safety of the student occupants also carefully restored the buildings’ key architectural qualities.
