York University
York College provided Eakes with an opportunity to revitalize the historic Hulitt Hall, breathing new life into the oldest original structure on the college campus. Starting in 2020, the renovation process commenced after years of the building being unoccupied. However, collaboration among administrative staff was challenging due to their dispersed locations in various buildings. Eakes played a crucial role in assisting them with the design and furnishing of their new offices within the restored four-level Hulitt Hall.
The basement of the hall features a classroom, two private offices, and a distinctive boardroom. The presence of the original brick wall evokes a nostalgic ambiance, harkening back to the college's early days. On the first floor, offices were allocated for the administrative staff, while the second floor was designated for the President, CFO, and Provost. Additionally, work/study students were provided with dedicated workspaces. The third floor was designed to accommodate board meetings, and due to the unique contour of the roof, a traditional boardroom table was eschewed in favor of flip-and-nest tables. This flexible arrangement allows the room to serve multiple purposes, such as board meetings or classrooms. Throughout the building, there is a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere, creating an environment where one can feel at ease. Upon entering the building, visitors are greeted by a large mural showcasing its rich history, blending the original architecture with the updated design, symbolizing the trajectory of the university's past and future. Eakes takes great pride in contributing to this remarkable project.
By bringing together the admissions office, financial aid office, CFO, Provost, President, and support staff under one roof, Hulitt Hall promotes cohesion and efficiency. The use of Steelcase furniture was instrumental in creating a cohesive flow throughout the building, ensuring that it meets the needs of everyone involved. York College has been gracious in allowing our clients to tour their facility, providing them with a glimpse into the possibilities and capabilities of larger-scale projects that we can undertake.