The campus master plan we produced for The Pennington School in 2012 proposed relocating the most of the administrative team from cramped quarters in Stainton Hall and Lowellden to new offices Old Main, the historic academic core of the campus. Upon implementation, the relocation was broken into two phases which allowed the school to minimize their need for flex space while the appropriate restoration and renovation work was completed.

Pennington’s Admissions Department was moved first, which called for the creation of an appropriately prideful meeting and reception space. The scope included replicating historic trims, restoring lost archways, and installing salvaged wood flooring. The waiting area now occupies the former site of the school’s first library and features historic references to that space. Relocation of the core administrative team followed and included the registrar, business office, and communications department. The headmaster’s office includes a private restroom, service spaces, and storage. Adjacent to it is a conference room, carefully considered to reflect the history of the building as well as the school.

A complete mechanical and electrical systems overhaul allowed the building to become a more comfortable and efficient modern workplace. New and antique furniture pieces were carefully paired to create a durable space that feels both authentic and practical. New offices, a new kitchen, two copy/mail rooms, restrooms (including Pennington’s first purpose-built multi-stall gender-neutral restroom), several storage rooms, and additional offices to accommodate projected growth, were incorporated to establish a stand-alone facility that has the capacity to support the administration.