Silliman College, Yale University

New Haven, CT

240,000 sq ft

Completed by architect Otto Eggers in 1940, Silliman College occupies an entire city block on the campus of Yale University in downtown New Haven. The residential college is comprised of a series of buildings configured around a large interior courtyard. The whole is a rich mix of Georgian Revival, Collegiate Gothic Revival, and Beaux-Arts styles.

As Yale’s largest residential complex, the sheer scale of the project necessitated close coordination and division of work across two summers.

The comprehensive renovation included extensive mechanical, electrical and fire alarm system upgrades. The college’s expansive brick and limestone facades were cleaned and refurbished, student suites received refreshed finishes, and the bathrooms were renovated to provide new lighting and vanity counters. Public spaces including the gymnasium, sound recording studio, stairwells, and laundry room were also upgraded.

Apicella + Bunton also completed the renovation for the Silliman Head of College House to meet the needs of the incoming head and their family. Upgrades included joining two smaller bedrooms into a primary bath, transforming a storage room into a library, and increasing light levels in the head’s office. We worked closely with our lighting consultant to provide brighter lighting levels while keeping alterations to a minimum. With all spaces, we respected the existing details and finishes.

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