O’Hare Academic Building at Salve Regina University

In June 2015, Salve Regina broke ground on the renovation and expansion of the O’Hare Academic Building. Scheduled for full completion this spring, the project has added 23,000 square feet to the building's footprint for state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories and collaborative workspaces for students and faculty.

Elements of the structure’s original geometric functionalism, typical of the post-World War II 20th-century Bauhaus architecture, were kept as part of the design, with touches of modernity woven throughout the interior and landscape plans. The building remained functional throughout the construction process, with every effort being made to minimize disruptions to students and faculty.

The O’Hare Academic Building now houses the Rodgers Family Department of Nursing and the departments of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Business Studies and Economics, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences and Social Work. Lecture-style classrooms have been replaced with collaborative learning environments, allowing faculty to develop new pedagogy around experiential learning opportunities such as simulation, laboratory research, collaborative problem solving and community-based activities.

In addition to renovated laboratories for biology, chemistry, environmental science and nursing, the newly expanded O’Hare features two updated lecture halls, an expanded cafe, and indoor and outdoor areas for dining, networking and informal meetings. Common areas devoted to dining and socializing will extend to outdoor terraces overlooking the University’s oceanfront grounds.

The project’s principal architect is Robinson Green Beretta Architects, and the lead contractor is Farrar & Associates.