Estimated construction cost: $8 Million
Area: 25,000 sf
Estimated completion:  2009

The Emerson Literary Society, the only non-Greek society at Hamilton College, was established in 1882 to honor the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson and his American philosophy. It’s 18th century-style home will soon be renovated and expanded to become Hamilton College’s new campus center, taking over many of the duties once held by the Beinecke Student Activities Village, located just across the lawn.

The former ELS building will be Hamilton’s major campus crossroads, encompassing a student center, meeting rooms, post office, and dining area/food court. The programmatic intent is to integrate the building into the existing campus by being both contextually responsive and environmentally responsible. Key aspects of the building’s 18th century design elements will be preserved.