Gettysburg College renovated Glatfelter Hall, a five-story, 56,284-square-foot, 1888 historic masonry-bearing wall building to provide updated academic and office spaces.

The plans originally focused on the renovation of the lower level where existing offices and classrooms were removed from service due to continuing issues with moisture intrusion. To eliminate the pathway for moisture that was rising up through the stone foundation the decision was made to under pin the foundation and lower the lower level floor to allow the insertion of new mechanical systems. This decision required the demolition of the existing mechanical room, which led to an entire building renovation.

The basement floor and foundation were lowered three feet and vertical chases were inserted on all floors to allow distribution of conditioning air. Other systems were upgraded, including electrical, data, sprinklers, and fire protection.

To totally transform the lower floor, it was gutted and reconfigured to provide new classroom, seminar, and lounge space. A new black terrazzo base, in the circulation spaces, marks the location of the original floor and provides a finish for the concrete underpinning. A broad landscaped plaza and new heavy timber roof structure lead students and faculty to the widened doorway, cut into the existing heavy stone wall that now provides access to the renovated classrooms in the lower level.