Western Carolina University, Brown Dining Hall
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Western Carolina University, Brown Dining Hall

Western Carolina University in North Carolina renovated and expanded the 1950s-era Brown Hall, a structure rich with campus history. While the building was cherished, it lacked visibility, functionality, and efficiency appeal for today’s students. The goal was to highlight the best of the original design while transforming it into a vibrant student life destination.

The reimagined Brown Hall now includes a variety of dining options, student services, and gathering spaces while maximizing operational, energy, and water efficiency.

Improving Campus Connectivity, Dining Choices and Student Services

The expansion connects upper and lower campus with a new pedestrian spine, to improve campus connectivity. Dining areas were reoriented to open westward views of the Great Smoky Mountains, previously hidden by the original façade.

Inside, four distinct foodservice venues are anchored by “The Lodge,” an all-you-care-to-eat dining experience designed to bring students together, regardless of which food option they choose. Starbucks and Steak ‘n Shake were carefully planned to operate independently while sharing back-of-house and dining space for efficiency.

Also, a convenience store on the first floor serves students heading downhill to class, while the second level consolidates offices for campus services, residential life, and community ethics.

The Brown Hall’s interiors reflect a modern “lodge” feel by using locally sourced stone, terrazzo, and warm oak finishes. To support the area’s outdoor culture, a rooftop terrace and a landscaped east courtyard are popular spots for dining and events.

Smart Strategies for Year-Round Efficiency

Western Carolina University Brown Hall is a model of sustainable campus design, achieving LEED Gold certification while preserving 94% of the original structure.

Sustainable Highlights Include:

  • 27.8% predicted energy cost reduction and 40 kBTU/SF improvement over baseline.

  • High-efficiency fixtures and native landscaping reduce potable water use by 42%, saving nearly 493,000 gallons annually.

  • 94% reuse of structural elements and 98% of remaining materials recycled.

  • LED fixtures and zone-specific HVAC controls improve comfort and efficiency.

  • Certified: LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council

Awarded:

  • AIA North Carolina, Design Merit Award
  • AIA South Carolina, Design Award Citation
  • North Carolina State Construction Office, Excellence in Project Implementation Award
  • AIA Columbia, Merit Award for Adaptive Reuse / Renovation
  • AIA Charlotte, New Construction Merit Award

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