Makeover of 126-year-old Sorensen Hall repairs flaws, revives image, and earns praise of Augustana College alumni, students, and employees.
Augustana College alumni and returning students have repeatedly asked CFO and VP of Administration Kirk Anderson if a new building sits at the prominent intersection of 38th Street and 7th Avenue. Sorensen Hall, the facility in question, is not new — at 126 years old, it’s the second oldest building on the Rock Island, Illinois campus. And until recently, Sorensen Hall looked anything but new…
Over the decades, the exterior of the four-story building had fallen into disrepair. The degradation caused leaks and drained energy, but the most pressing concern was the building’s appearance.
“It’s a front door to our campus, and it was in bad condition,” said Anderson. “Alumni who live in the area would say, ‘You need to do something.’ It was literally falling apart.”
Before and after photos showing Sorensen Hall’s transformation. Photo: Augustana College
After a successful partnership for the college’s new Peter J. Lindberg, M.D. Center for Health and Human Performance, the college and Legat Architects once again joined forces to give Sorensen Hall a makeover. The work would also include repairs to a pedestrian bridge extending from the facility’s second story.
The resulting facelift, strengthened by input from Augustana administrators and graphic designers, not only repairs the damage but also gives the facility and bridge a brand-new look. A more contemporary cool gray and dark slate color scheme replaces the previous beige on beige palette. New windows promote energy efficiency along with better views and more daylight. The project was built by Hodge Construction.
High contrast elements create dynamic movement that matches the energy of the busy intersection.
Lori Roderick, Associate VP of Development, Augustana College
“To many Quad Citians and visitors to campus, Sorensen Hall is the first impression that individuals have of Augustana,” said Jacob Bobbitt, assistant VP for business affairs and controller. “The recent renovation has brought new life to our front door.”
“The look is not only more visually appealing; it’s more welcoming,” adds Director of Advancement Services and Data Analysis Brianne Berogen. “It symbolizes Augustana’s strategic vision of a transformative campus experience for our students.”
An Ailing Campus Cornerstone
Sorensen Hall was built in 1898 as the Augustana Book Concern and expanded with an addition in 1969. Today, the four-story administrative and academic hub houses spaces ranging from faculty and administrative offices to classrooms for the college’s new film major.
Decades of heavy use and harsh Illinois weather had taken a toll on the facility. Evidence of decline ranged from deteriorating stairs and bricks to the limestone foundation peeking through an eroding stone base. The bridge looked like different materials had been patched together.
One of the most critical problems stemmed from the window systems — they leaked and offered limited thermal insulation. In a strong windstorm, water would come straight through.
The facility also suffered from aesthetic defects: the glass block that dominated the windows and the beige color gave the building a dated warehouse look.
During construction of the Sorensen Hall makeover, removal of the limestone veneer at the base revealed the facility’s original building plate. Photo: Carly Davis
“That style might have been fashionable in the 70s, but it looked terrible,” said Anderson. “Creating a strong first impression was one of the main reasons we put a reasonable investment into the repair.”
Sorensen Hall’s rejuvenated entry features an upgraded cut stone base, a new canopy, decorative fiber cement panels, and new windows. Photo: Augustana College
Healing the Ailments for a New Outlook
The first part of the Sorensen Hall makeover focuses on functional challenges. Natural cut stone replaces the crumbling limestone veneer at the base, and tuckpointing repairs the mortar joints.
Old windows give way to an all-new “storefront” system of clear-glass windows that not only eliminate leaks and improve insulation but also maximize daylight and views. New solar fins on the south façade prevent summer sun from flooding the building, and new shades on the inside improve sun control.
The offices on the facility’s west side exemplify the extremity of the change. Before construction, three and a half feet of view-inhibiting glass block topped two and a half feet of clear glass. Occupants could barely see “Old Main,” the college’s flagship building at the campus core.
Prior to construction, Augustana employees with offices on the west side of Sorensen Hall had obstructed views of the campus’s iconic Old Main building (pictured). Today, they can see the entire facility. Photo: Augustana College.
Today, six feet of transparent windows display a much better view of the campus including the entirety of Old Main and its copper dome.
“The installation of new windows and blinds has notably elevated both the aesthetics and functionality of every office space, contributing to an improved and more conducive working environment,” said Augustana Alumni Engagement and Fundraising Specialist Evan Sammons.
The project also adds glass-enclosed vestibules at the main entry and where the bridge meets the building’s second story.
A light gray and dark slate color scheme gives Sorensen Hall a contemporary look and better aligns it with other campus facilities. Photo: Augustana College
A Fresh Palette for a Gateway Landmark
Despite a power wash of the Sorensen Hall façade, college leaders were underwhelmed with its existing color scheme.
“We didn’t want it to be just okay,” said Anderson. “We wanted to take the extra step to make it really pop.”
The college decided on a gray color palette to distinguish the building while also tying it into the rest of campus. A gray stain covers all the brick and the limestone paneling as well as the bridge.
“The stain creates a more uniform appearance, better adheres to the materials, and lasts longer than traditional paint,” said Legat’s Zach Campbell.
We didn’t want it to be just okay. We wanted to take the extra step to make it really pop.
Kirk Anderson, CFO and VP of Administration, Augustana College
The design team, however, expressed concern that the stain would not conceal all the masonry repairs. The solution came in a band of fiber cement panels that adorns three sides of the facility and the bridge. Augustana’s graphic designers selected the dark slate color and crafted the new signage that appears around the building.
“High contrast elements create dynamic movement that matches the energy of the busy intersection,” said Lori Roderick, associate VP of development at Augustana. “The tired blond brick that faded into the surrounding hardscape has been treated with a simple, arresting palette. Sorensen Hall is a gateway landmark Augustana can be proud of.”
The refreshed walk bridge leads to a new second-story vestibule. Photo: Augustana College
A Gift for Students and Employees
Whether he’s chatting with colleagues in a hallway or catching up with alumni at events, Anderson continues to hear praise about the upgrades at Sorensen Hall.
Augustana Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Nicole Lauer has also observed the renewed facility’s impact on the campus community. “Both students and employees appreciate such a long-term part of our campus getting rejuvenated and adapting to our changing needs,” she said.
“When asked what building I work in at Augustana, I now have a sense of pride in saying Sorenson Hall,” added Erin Williams, director of annual giving. “Its updated colorway and modern feel have elevated the building to fit in perfectly with the already beautiful campus. This renovation has been a gift for the students and the employees who walk through the doors each day.”
Contact us with your building envelope challenges.
