Northampton Community College Hartzell Hall

Northampton Community College retained MKSD architects in 2014 to renovate Hartzell Hall on their Bethlehem Campus in Bethlehem, Pa. The goal of the project was to take a dated building interior and create a design that would entice and “wow” incoming students to enroll in their program.

The renovations consisted of modernizing 4,000 square feet of common spaces (i.e., corridors and lobby), 1,200 square foot Instrumentation Room, 2,500 square foot Welding Lab and a 500 square foot loading dock expansion. The firm collaborated with the college to design a concept that related to the students utilizing the spaces and provided a “high-tech” edgy appearance.

The design included new finishes, new flooring and base, paint, ceiling details, lighting and furniture. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades were included in the renovation.

The refreshed look within the building has increased student enrollment and transformed the current students use of the building. More and more students are remaining in the building between classes to interact, engage in group learning or quietly study.