Gontram Architecture recently began design on a new 17,800 square feet building on the historic property of Sigma Nu Fraternity Headquarters in Lexington, VA. The new building, called the Center for Excellence, will be used for housing and training visiting students and non-students within this new leadership training facility.
The building is designed to fit discretely into the existing context, just blocks from Washington & Lee University and Virginia Military Institute. This has proven challenging as the current property contains classic examples of both Georgian Colonial and Italianate architecture.
The proposed building consists of a two-story, L-shaped structure which will house up to 76 people, more than tripling the existing property’s capacity. In addition to the dormitory function, the building will feature a large ballroom, several meeting spaces, a warming kitchen, and a large archives vault (designed to keep secure artifacts from Sigma Nu’s 147 year history).
A small amphitheater provides exterior gathering space and may also feature presentations during times of favorable weather.
The project is currently in Design and is scheduled to be complete by May, 2018.