Dillard University Stern Hall Sciences Building
Project Information
- Owner Dillard University
- Design Sizeler Architects
- Size 60,000 Square Feet
- Budget $9,000,000
- Completion December 2006
Shortly after Hurricane Katrina in November 2006, Woodward Design+Build was selected by Dillard University as their primary rebuild partner. The goal of this partnership was to both repair storm damage and to upgrade key facilities to first class educational standards. Pursuant to the University’s master plan, the most important building to upgrade was Stern Hall, the primary life sciences building. One of the most challenging aspects of this project was the fast track nature. Due to the preliminary design delays, this project did not start until July 2006 and was suppossed to be opened for Fall 2006. The tight 4 month schedule required constant communication and teamwork with the design professionals which included designing in the field to accommodate unknown site conditions.
Stern Hall is a 3 story, 60,000 square foot historic building housing laboratories for Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Nursing. The laboratory space is fully equipped with built-in custom casework, medical grade flooring, gases, and the latest computer and audio-visual equipment. Stern Hall also houses the Nursing School, which includes a fully equipped operation and recovery area that simulates the surroundings of a modern hospital.
Though the hurricane damage to the building was cosmetic, the buildings mechanical and electrical systems had not been updated since the 1960’s. Upgrading of these systems required that the building be completely gutted down to its shell before the modernization could be built back. The work also included a new Ludiwici clay tile roof, upgrades to the exterior and a new elevator tower that brought the building into compliance with ADA.
