Admissions Center Renovation

Saint John's University

Housing offices for admissions, the Quadrangle building is a hub for a variety of university functions and has stood on the Saint John’s University (SJU) campus since the late 1800s. Saint John’s engaged BWBR to create an admissions center and collaborative workplace that captures the historic character of the space, located below a former abbey, while reflecting the modern SJU brand and meeting needs for both faculty and students.

A refreshed admissions center provides prospective students with a welcoming glimpse into Saint John’s campus and community with a bright, modernized design that showcases the university’s mission. The renovation also creates a flexible, open workplace, enhancing collaboration between departments while maintaining privacy, carefully utilizing acoustics to reduce noise. Historic stonework was exposed throughout the building, providing a thoughtful balance between the new, freshened interior and original materials. Soft, dimmable lighting and generous access to daylight brightens the space along with pops of university colors.