Baskervill provided architecture and MEP engineering services for this comprehensive, multi-phase historic renovation at Virginia Military Institute, leading a design team of more than ten disciplines. The project included extensive renovations to historic Cormack and Cocke Halls – constructed in 1941 and 1926, respectively – for the military school’s physical training programs, exercise science department, and NCAA wrestling programs. New classrooms and administrative space, fitness and weight training facilities, locker rooms, and practice and competition spaces were part of a complete re-programming of both buildings, which also received substantial upgrades to their MEP and AV/IT systems.

The design achieves the goal of incorporating modern, sustainable, and energy-efficient strategies and systems while preserving and restoring the historic exteriors and architectural details such as the buildings’ original windows. The team was tasked with crafting all new HVAC systems that worked with the buildings’ existing structure to maintain their self-ventilating qualities. Underground water cisterns were implemented to collect and store rainwater and provide irrigation for the surrounding grounds. Both buildings are LEED Silver Certified.