Ashby Hall at Boston College

Messina College's Ashby Hall stands as a testament to the power of intentional design in supporting educational opportunities. As Boston College's ninth school, Messina focuses on empowering first-generation students who might otherwise face barriers to higher education. The Ashby Hall project goes beyond mere renovation, it creates a transformative space that embodies the college's commitment to student success, community, empowerment, and inclusivity.

How does a design team approach such a critical project? Working closely with Messina College's founding dean and Boston College's programming and dining services teams, Bergmeyer developed a holistic vision that went far beyond traditional architectural renovation to create spaces that would build and support the community. The goal was clear: create an inviting, multifunctional environment that serves as both an academic resource and a vibrant social hub. Completed on an accelerated timeline, the renovation was meticulously orchestrated to welcome Messina College's inaugural class in July 2024 with a transformative space.

The project team meticulously crafted design objectives that went beyond physical transformation, such as:

• Creating a welcoming environment that feels like home for first-generation students
• Developing a versatile space supporting learning, dining, and community building
• Transforming a dated 1962 building into a contemporary campus center
• Designing accessible spaces for academic support and social interaction
• Maintaining Boston College's distinctive aesthetic and campus design palette

Spanning 18,000+ square feet, the Ashby Hall renovation strategically integrates multiple functional zones including:

• Dining Hall with all-electric Kitchen
• Digital Studio
• Learning Commons
• Classrooms
• Tutoring Rooms
• Multi-purpose Rooms
• Chapel

Each space is intentionally designed to support student success, ensuring that every square foot contributes to academic and personal growth. More than just a building, Ashby Hall represents a lifeline for roughly 100 students each year. It's a place where first-generation students can find support, build community, and transform their academic futures with a design that ensures every square foot supports student success.

The result is a campus center that doesn't just serve Messina College, it empowers its students, providing a foundation for academic and personal growth. Completed in collaboration with Boston College, Ashby Hall is a beacon of educational opportunity, reimagining what a student center can be.