Firm: Derck & Edson Associates, LLP

Associated firm: Spillman Farmer Architects

Design team: James A. Wenger, RLA, Partner-in-Charge; Tim Maness, RLA, Project Manager; Mary A. Smith, Project Landscape Architect; Snyder Hoffman Associates

Client: Mount Aloysius College; Sister Mary Ann Dillon, President

Area: 75 acres; 3,267,000 sq. ft.

Total cost: $51,640,000 over 10-year projected implementation (cost of construction, not including design fees and municipal approvals)

In its 105-year history, Mount Aloysius College had never prepared a campus master plan for the institution. This resulted in growth that was “organic” rather than “organized.” In 2000, as the college was facing an exciting period of growth, it decided a master plan was needed to create a campus environment that would support its transition from a two-year junior college to a four-year baccalaureate college with a larger resident population. This transition meant studying all aspects of student life, including new residential facilities, the student center, athletic facilities, campus circulation and campus infrastructure.

Working with students, administrators and board members, the planners organized a thorough assessment of the campus upon which a new vision for Mount Aloysius was built. The five-phase plan, when implemented, will transform the campus from a vehicle-dominated commuter campus to a student-centered pedestrian campus with a central pedestrian axis, new residential and student activity facilities, revamped vehicular and pedestrian circulation, and a fresh image for the college.