Rhoads Hall

Bryn Mawr College

Bryn Mawr, PA

Rhoads Hall occupies a central place within Bryn Mawr College’s historic campus, helping frame the quadrangles established in Frederick Law Olmsted’s original landscape plan. As one of the college’s earliest residence halls, the Collegiate Gothic building has long supported Bryn Mawr’s tradition of residential learning and community life. Over time, the building’s infrastructure and student living spaces required modernization to meet contemporary expectations while preserving the architectural character that defines the campus. Bryn Mawr College initiated a comprehensive renovation to renew the residence hall, improve accessibility and safety, and restore the historic fabric of the building.

O Z Collaborative led the rehabilitation of the 67,000-square-foot structure, integrating modern building systems and life-safety infrastructure while protecting the architectural detailing that gives the building its identity. The design team introduced new mechanical, electrical, and accessibility improvements with careful coordination, allowing modern performance standards to be achieved with minimal disruption to historic materials and spaces. The project addressed the full residential program of the building, including student dormitories, shared social spaces, and the historic dining hall with its kitchen and servery. Interior work enhanced comfort and functionality while maintaining the character and craftsmanship that define the residence hall.

Exterior restoration was a major focus of the project. Stone repair and repointing stabilized the façade, while ornate chimneys were reconstructed and slate and metal roofing replaced. Ornamental gutters and rain leaders were restored, windows rehabilitated, and historic lighting fixtures refurbished or reproduced. Interior millwork was also carefully restored. The renovation renews Rhoads Hall as an essential part of Bryn Mawr’s residential campus, preserving its architectural presence within Olmsted’s historic landscape while supporting the evolving needs of student life.

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A large stone building with many windows, featuring a prominent tower and ornate architectural details. The building is surrounded by trees with some leaves changing color and a well-maintained lawn in front.

Elegant banquet hall with high vaulted ceiling, two large chandeliers, wooden wall paneling, large stained glass window, and multiple round tables with chairs and small bowls of snacks.

View through a large wooden doorway into a sitting room with green walls, multiple tall gothic-style windows, two side tables with lamps, a small table with a flower vase, and purple seating on both sides.

Living room with green walls, wooden flooring, a fireplace with a black mantle, and a round mirror above it. There are multiple upholstered chairs, a small coffee table with pink flowers, a side table with a lamp, and large windows with wooden trim a

Interior view of a hotel lobby with wooden furniture, a fireplace, seating area with armchairs, and tables with black chairs, decorated with potted plants.

Empty cafeteria or dining area with stainless steel serving counters, large windows, hanging blue pendant lights, beige brick walls, and a tiled floor with a geometric pattern.

A decorative black metal outdoor lantern mounted on an ornate stone building wall, with a window below and small carved stone decorative elements behind.