Residence Hall Renovation and Addition

IMEG provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology design, along with construction administration services. for the renovation and addition to Witte Residence Hall at the University of Wisconsin.

The project was part of the university’s 2020 master plan, addressing deficiencies in the residence halls and dining facilities, to ensure UW Madison’s student housing facilities are maintained and capable of meeting the changing needs of students well into the future.

Witte Hall, opened in 1964, houses approximately 1,150 first-year students and is composed of two towers of 10 floors each. Each floor has two wings with double rooms arranged along both sides of the central corridors with shared bathrooms in the center core.

This project renovated and expanded the hall core, first floor, and basement area to accommodate three new elevators for each 10-story wing. Common spaces (floor lounges, study space and kitchenettes) and bathrooms were also renovated. HVAC systems were replaced/upgraded by adding individual heat controls in the rooms and air conditioning throughout the halls. Windows were replaced and resident rooms, hallways, and stairwells were upgraded.

The project scope included extending campus chilled water to the building to add air conditioning, and utilizing campus high-pressure steam for heating. All HVAC and plumbing infrastructure was replaced and new electrical service provided for the addition. In addition, the emergency generator was replaced to accommodate new life safety systems to meet high-rise building code.

Sustainability features included LED lighting, energy recovery, and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

Construction was done in phasing with the building remaining occupied during the academic year.