PS&S was awarded the design of a freshman residence hall and an upper-class residence hall, as well as a large parking garage, all to be located on two separate sites. One site required the demolition of two existing older dorms in Kean’s inventory.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The two dorms had approximately the same number of beds each, totaling 852 beds in the final configuration. PS&S also identified the need for a new cafeteria, based on an analysis of the school’s existing facilities.

THE CHALLENGE

Access to the proposed garage was difficult, as were the limitations of the wetlands on the site. Storm water analysis also determined that over 13 acres of the existing campus drained to a low spot on the proposed site.

THE PS&S SOLUTION

The campus master plan was revised to move the parking garage to supplement an existing parking lot, where access was more “natural.” This made room on one site to cluster both residence halls, plus the new cafeteria, into a single, higher-energy residential learning environment. It also saved the two dorms slated for demolition, allowing for very cost-effective renovations which PS&S also assisted in.

The design of the new residential complex included not only the new cafeteria, but a very complete program of student amenities, including group study rooms and reading nooks on each floor, lounges, larger classroom venues, game rooms, a home theater, and a computer lounge, as well normal service elements like laundry, vending, and administrative space.

The project was completed on time and on budget, and is the most sought-after residence space on the campus.