UB Ernest Trefz School of BusinessAugust 15, 2014 – Bridgeport, CT – Antinozzi Associates is excited to announce the completion of renovations and a new entrance addition to the University of Bridgeport’s newly-renamed Ernest C. Trefz School of Business in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Mandeville Hall is a building used for the School of Business, student services, meeting areas, classrooms, lecture halls, and for a variety of disciplines at the University.  Since 2009, renovations have been ongoing to the lecture halls, private offices, computer labs, classrooms, and common corridors. New acoustical ceiling tiles, lighting, door finishes, veneer paneling, and window replacements were completed throughout the building over a period of years, as funding was available. Although these changes were being made, the 40-year-old building needed an exterior to match its improvements.

To reflect its professionalism, the School of Business aimed to develop a lasting first impression. In 2013, Antinozzi Associates was commissioned to design an addition with a new front entry and canopy. The glass façade on the front and two sides bring natural light into the lobby during the day while the low-hanging pendant light fixtures emit a warm glow at night. Although the entry is newly constructed, the yellow details and rectangular brise-soleil from the existing structure was integrated to implement cohesion of old and new.

The high floating ceilings contribute to the openness of the space and can be utilized for meetings, studying, or relaxing. This multi-functional room contains soft seating and flexible furniture to enhance collaboration amongst students. For a more intimate setting, the paneled walls perfectly frame the lounge area located on either the side of the room which was part of the building’s former lobby.   The entry is also a transition area as it connects to the lecture halls, Dean’s Suite, and classrooms.

Included in this renovation were the toilet rooms, existing lecture halls, student center spaces, and modifications to the existing suite. The new improvements and entry can now be appreciated by students and faculty with its completion in July for the start of the 2014-2015 academic year.  A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of construction is set for September 9, 2014.

Read about it in High Profile.