The original architecture of the historic Oxford Community Center, built as the Oxford School from a design by Henry Powell Hopkins, was the inspiration for a rehabilitation that has made it a welcoming hub for this community on the Eastern Shore in Maryland. The building exemplifies a deft combination of classical composition with strong, simple detailing an our goal was to improve its function as the primary gathering space for large and small events.

The entry porch was restored and made accessible through added ramps. Structural repairs were sensitively performed and a new roof installed. The existing single-pane windows were replaced with energy-efficient, operable aluminum windows in the style of the original steel; sustainable elements like this helped the building achieve LEED Gold Certification.

Inside, removing a dropped ceiling from the 1960’s exposed the original grace of the atrium; large lunette windows once again fill the space with light from above. Several smaller meeting rooms flanking the atrium were also renovated providing flexibility to host multiple groups simultaneously, and a kitchen allows for large catered events.

Awards

LEED EB Gold Certified
AIA Philadelphia Chapter, Merit Award - Preservation, 2013