After experiencing chronic plumbing system failures in Peabody and Bowditch Halls, Salem State University (SSU) and Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MSCBA) engaged MDS to design improvements to the 1960s, high-rise residence halls. The stacked nature of the bathrooms required a comprehensive renovation in both buildings. This provided an opportunity to update the aging MEP infrastructure with more energy efficient systems and upgrade the bathrooms to meet current student life trends.

Our design approach expanded the bathroom into an abandoned elevator shaft, which captured enough space to provide a men’s, women’s and all gender bathroom on every floor. (Previously students had to travel up or down one floor to access a men’s or women’s room and no all gender rooms were provided). Our design also increased the plumbing fixture count to meet current plumbing code requirements. Updated finishes and lighting provide a fresh, contemporary environment for students. The improvements were constructed over the summer through Ch. 149A project delivery methods. The updated residence halls opened for the 2019 fall semester.