Smith and Perkins Renovation & Expansion

The Smith-Perkins Renovation & Expansion represents a milestone in Southern Methodist University’s plan to modernize its historic Residence Life Student Housing portfolio. As the first of 12 planned upgrades, the project united two 70-year-old halls through a new connector designed to encourage collaboration and community. The design preserved SMU’s Collegiate Georgian architectural character while integrating modern systems, upgrading accessibility and adding amenities to improve performance and the student experience.

Completed in under a year to welcome students back in the fall, the renovation tackled hazardous material remediation, HVAC upgrades, moisture management, code compliance, technology integration and roof replacement — all while classes remained in session. On a small, active campus, this required precise sequencing and close coordination with university operations to minimize disruption.

Historic Halls, Modern Solutions
From day one, the design and construction teams worked in close partnership, enabling fast, informed decisions that reduced the budget by 7.5% and freed funds for future housing projects. Design-build delivery made it possible to integrate design and construction seamlessly, while trust built through regular communication and on-the-ground problem solving ensured the project maintained quality and pace.

The renewed Smith-Perkins complex offers students comfort, efficiency and sustainability without sacrificing the campus’s architectural heritage. As the first step in a multi-phase modernization strategy, it established the design and material standards for future upgrades. Accessibility improvements, including fully accessible routes from multiple campus entry points, a new elevator and ramps linking historic and new spaces, set a precedent for inclusivity and universal design that will guide the transformation of the remaining residence halls.

Design-Build Team

Photos

Photo Credit: Joe Aker