Dallas, Texas
Smith House and Perkins House, two residence halls built in the 1950s on the Southern Methodist University campus, have been renovated and connected by a new building. And this new connection gave the separate buildings a new name: Smith-Perkins House. This renovation and expansion project adds modern touches to the existing residential space and a new building that provides engaging community space with lounges, study areas, and meeting space. It opened for students in August 2024.
In the residential space of Smith-Perkins House, the number of beds and the room configurations have not changed. There are 197 beds between the two, and both single and double rooms are available. Residential room updates include new windows and new furniture. Community bathroom updates include new bathroom fixtures and décor. Perkins also has a new dining lounge with a kitchen. The mechanical systems (HVAC and filtration systems), the electrical systems (wiring infrastructure, LED lighting, and switch/gear panels), and the fire alarm and suppression system have also been updated.
The connector building between Smith and Perkins matches their height, at three stories tall. Students enter the connector building through a hallway on the first floor of their residential building and are guided into lounges at these entryways. Once inside the connector building, students have access to lounges and study areas on the first floor, more lounge and study space with a TV and game area on the second floor, and meeting space on the third floor. All floors are ADA-accessible by elevator. “The new construction which connects the two buildings means we have additional options for students who need ADA-accessible room assignments,” says Susan Strobel Hogan, senior associate director for assignments.
The addition of the connector building also allowed the university to upgrade the outdoor space of the Smith-Perkins House area. Landscaped courtyards on both sides of the building provide outdoor seating for dining, studying, or relaxing. “The re-opening of Smith-Perkins creates an opportunity for our sophomores, juniors, and seniors to live in a beautiful space designed with great community gathering spaces like the courtyard,” says Hogan. “We are very excited to be able to offer upper-division housing with a new, fresh interior while keeping our SMU classic Georgian red brick exterior.” —Camille Perlman
Spotlight is your chance to show off recent construction or renovation projects. Member institutions and architects are encouraged to share details about hall features, related programs, and how they connect to the overall housing mission as well as photographs of the completed building. Share your success stories.