LEES-McRAE HISTORIC COMMONS

Lees-McRae College

LEES-McRAE COLLEGE
hISTORIC cOMMONS

COMPLETION YEAR:
2024

LOCATION:
Banner Elk, NC

SIZE:
65,000 SF

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lees-McRae College has a history spanning more than 100 years, inspiring students of Southern Appalachia and living out its motto: “In the mountains, Of the mountains, For the mountains.” The College engaged MHM to renovate and restore its Historic Commons—a collection of student housing, office, classroom, and event spaces central to campus life.

While initial concepts explored adding two new infill buildings, the design ultimately moved forward with the renovation of the three existing stone masonry structures. Originally constructed by townspeople using stone quarried from the surrounding mountains, these buildings remain a defining element of the campus’s historic character.

The renovation carefully balances preservation with modernization. MHM updated the existing buildings to meet today’s academic needs while restoring their historic features. Another historic part of the commons, The Pinnacle Inn, received a new enclosure, and the interior was renovated to provide an accessible dining area that was reminiscent of the original space by keeping much of the historic wood structure, stairs, fountain, and fireplace. Given the climate and views, bringing back an accessible and inhabitable roof deck above the Pinnacle Inn was an important part of the project program.

MHM collaborated closely with the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to ensure that the renovations honored the campus’s historic fabric while supporting the College’s evolving academic mission.

PHOTOGRAPHY: © Sterling E. Stevens / MHM

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