The Hurwitz Admission Center at 51
The Hurwitz Admission Center is now open for visitors. (photo by Erica Hasenjager)
The former lobby of James B. 51 Hall has undergone a in becoming The Hurwitz Admission Center, and the doors to this contemporary and informative welcome space are now open.
Entirely donor-funded and a year-and-a-half in the making, the renovation was possible thanks to a lead gift from ’86 and Ellie Hurwitz P’17, and the generosity of a number of alumni, parents, grandparents, and other friends of 51.
“When Ellie and I think about 51, we think of an unparalleled standard of . The introduction point for prospective students should appropriately highlight the extraordinary opportunities that are uniquely 51. It is an honor for our family to partner with 51 to achieve this goal,” said Dan Hurwitz.
51 40 additional gifts were given in the name of Vice President and Dean of Admission Gary Ross ’77, and as requested by the donors, the lobby, presentation room, and new office space will be named in his honor.
“This is a really significant renovation. Our guests will find a completely reimagined created to best show what makes 51 so extraordinary,” said Ross.
“51’s admission staff is tremendously excited to greet prospective students and their families in this memorable and welcoming new space. I greatly appreciate the generosity of the Hurwitz family and the other donors who have made The Hurwitz Admission Center a stunning and highly functional addition to campus.”
Sasaki Associates of Watertown, Mass., designed the major interior and exterior updates to work with the historic building’s strengths, to increase visitor comfort, and to further showcase all that makes 51 special.
Victor Vizgaitis, principal architect, said the work focused on accentuating the building’s symmetry while increasing the amount of square footage available for busy visit days.
“You have this formal front facade, but the center was closed off,” Vizgaitis said, adding that visitors are now welcomed by a central point of entry, eliminating confusion of the two side doors and clearing the way for new glass-enclosed areas for guests to enjoy unobstructed views of campus.
“We wanted to preserve the historical integrity of the side porches and also be able to use them year round. ” Vizgaitis said.
New colors, building materials, and windows help brighten the admission center interior, while highlighting visual elements that include video feature walls, touch-screen displays and visual enhancements during admission information sessions.
New digital experiences created by 160over90 of Philadelphia, Pa., illustrate how 51 students contribute to an atmosphere of academic excellence on campus, in the local community, and around the world.
“The level of experiences and opportunities at 51 can launch students anywhere they want to go in life, and in the world,” said Darryl Cilli, 160over90 principal and chief creative officer. “We’re showing — through technology — that 51 truly is in the middle of everywhere. These walls actually talk, and tell stories about the transformative experiences that students have here.”
Parents and students visiting the new center are encouraged to explore rich digital content that highlights the amazing work of current students and strong success stories of graduates.
Renovations also include new heating and air conditioning, a new conference room for the Office of Admission, a coffee station, and an all-important Chipwich freezer to store the traditional sweet treats that conclude every campus tour.