Millbrook School is a co-educational boarding school for 250 students situated on 600 acres in Dutchess County, N.Y. Abbott Hall, a residence hall on the main quadrangle of the campus, was built in 1968. The building was stylistically inappropriate to the campus and created a poor first impression to visitors.
A total of 16,700 square feet of Abbott Hall was renovated, with 400 square feet of new construction. Exterior walls were re-clad with painted cedar clapboards installed over the existing stucco. New slate and panned metal roofs were installed to blend with other buildings on campus. A new electrical and fire-protection system was installed. The common room was fitted with new living room furniture and a kitchen.
A new cupola crowns the center of the hall. New brick and flagstone walks connect Abbott to the rest of the campus, and a new outdoor gathering space has been created.
The two-story building now houses 36 girls in 22 rooms. A common lounge links the two wings on the second floor over the entry arch. Two classrooms, a study room, laundry and storage facilities make up the basement level. Each wing of the residence hall is connected to a separate, three-bedroom faculty house on the east side.
The architect is Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP (Philadelphia).
