Zabriskie Hall is a beautiful, early twentieth-century structure that was completely transformed through a comprehensive renovation by Chiang | O’Brien Architects. This twenty-five thousand square foot building is a jewel on the Wells College campus, and when the interior finishes and fittings were stripped away after years of service, the beautiful bones of the building were revealed.

High ceilings, classically symmetrical layout, and original architectural details were enhanced through the thoughtful insertion of fresh elements that complement the historic qualities of the building. The revitalization turned Zabriskie into a showcase building standing at the gateway to the campus and serving as the starting point for admissions staff to begin tours for prospective students. The college store, café, and a tiered lecture hall on the entry level create a compelling introduction to the campus while the Center for Business and Institute for Sustainability serve as academic anchors. The design transformed a tired building into a functional and modern space that meets the expectations of today’s sophisticated Wells student.