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Reimagining Campus Potential: Building the Future from Within
As higher education evolves, the most impactful opportunities for transformation often already exist within the campus. Repurposing existing buildings and underutilized spaces offers colleges and universities sustainable, flexible solutions to support student success and plan responsibly for the future.
Universities and colleges are navigating shifting enrollment, constrained budgets and evolving pedagogy, and these spaces raise an important question: Do we build something new, or look more closely at what we already have?
Across higher education, more institutions are finding that repurposing existing buildings and underutilized spaces offers a thoughtful, forward-looking decision rooted in sustainability, stewardship and student success.
Why Higher Education Leaders are Reconsidering “New” Right Now
Campuses are evolving. Pedagogies have changed. There’s a strong focus on hands-on learning, technology, workforce training, and engaging students on campuses. However, existing facilities don’t always lend themselves to the same rate of evolution. Uncertain funding environments paired with rising construction costs and changing enrollment patterns are prompting institutions to consider investments more carefully than ever. Rather than starting “from the ground up,” repurposing spaces may offer greater cost control and reduced disruption to programs and classes.
Addressing Common Hesitations About Repurposing
Leaders often ask whether renovation costs will rival new construction, whether older buildings can support modern technology or whether reuse limits long-term growth. These concerns are exactly why early evaluation is critical.
Proof in Practice: Repurposing That Delivers Results
Across FGMA’s higher education practice, repurposing buildings and spaces has unlocked opportunities in unexpected ways.
For example, underutilized retail space at St. Charles Community College was reimagined into modern labs, classrooms and support areas. Early engagement with faculty and staff led to a design that fulfilled current needs while remaining flexible for future changes. Prior to completion, the college was turning away students for their program due to a lack of space. This project expanded the college’s biology department, increasing capacity and modernizing the learning environment for a growing student enrollment.
An underused retail area (left) at St. Charles Community College was repurposed into a modern biology teaching lab (right) to expand hands-on learning.
McAlister Hall at Wheaton College was left unused after the conservatory relocated. FGMA led a facility assessment to determine the best use moving forward. The building was successfully repurposed for the Modern and Classical Languages Department, including revised floor plans to accommodate new classrooms, offices and infrastructure upgrades.
Repurposed spaces in Wheaton College’s McAlister Hall now support collaborative learning, informal study and departmental connection.
An outdated industrial arts building at Triton College was an obstacle-turned-opportunity. FGMA transformed the facility into a modern health careers building, including the addition of a second floor within the existing shell. Every design decision was made with an eye toward long-term flexibility. FGMA worked closely with faculty and lab planning specialists to accommodate the diverse equipment and spaces required in today’s healthcare environments. The result supported new academic programs without expanding the campus footprint.
At Triton College, adaptive reuse and a strategic second-floor addition transformed an outdated facility into a modern health careers building.
At Triton College, repurposed academic space now supports hands-on training for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Even small transformations provide meaningful impact. St. Louis Community College has embraced reimagining and repurposing various underused spaces with FGMA’s support. The Archers’ new esports arena has been a strategic recruitment tool for the college since opening.
“This new arena represents more than just a physical space,” said Director of Athletics at STLCC Sharon Marquardt. “It embodies our commitment to embracing new technologies and fostering student engagement through innovative programs.”
An underused campus room at St. Louis Community College (left) was transformed into a modern esports arena (right) that now supports student engagement and recruitment.
The college’s new Hospitality and Education Center will soon have a consolidated home for hands-on programs. A separate corridor space adjacent to a courtyard is getting a second life with inviting booth seating, modern lines and a refreshed, activated outdoor space.
An underused corridor (left) at St. Louis Community College is being reimagined as a welcoming student collaboration space connected to an outdoor courtyard (rendering on right).
And St. Charles Community College’s new Center for Immersive Learning (main photo) was originally an underutilized office suite that now offers the first Dreamscape Learn education experience for Midwest college students. In each case, creative investments and targeted renovations meet students where they are by supporting new pedagogy, improving connections and re-energizing campus life.
New Construction vs. Adaptive Reuse: How to Make the Right Choice
Deciding whether to build new or repurpose existing space starts with asking the right questions. We begin by understanding program needs, then evaluating the physical realities of existing buildings, including structure, systems, cost, phasing and daily campus operations. Repurposing often emerges as a strong option — not by default, but by design.
Working within existing buildings introduces additional layers of consideration. Our teams approach these moments with creativity and an open mind, uncovering potential that allows spaces to better serve the people who use them every day.
“Adaptive reuse is an act of reinterpretation — it requires the imagination to uncover hidden potential within a building's structure and form,” said FGMA Interior Design Principal Carol Stolt.
Looking Forward: The Future of Reshaping Higher Education Campuses
Higher education campuses are living, evolving learning environments, defined by the people who learn and work within them. Repurposing honors their legacy while creating space for what comes next. When institutions look inward with intention, they often discover that their strongest assets are already standing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repurposing Campus Buildings in Higher Education
Is it more affordable to repurpose a campus building than to build new?
It depends on the building and program needs. Repurposing often reduces costs related to structure, site work and timelines, but early assessment is essential to understand infrastructure upgrades and long-term value.
How do we know if an existing building can support a new academic program?
Evaluation should include structural capacity, floor-to-floor heights, column spacing, building systems and alignment with pedagogy. A comprehensive assessment helps determine feasibility early.
Does repurposing limit future flexibility for a campus?
When designed intentionally, repurposed spaces can increase flexibility. Many renovations prioritize adaptable layouts that evolve as programs and teaching models change.
When is new construction the better option?
New construction may be appropriate when an existing building cannot realistically support program needs or long-term goals. The best decision is one grounded in data, mission and thoughtful planning, not assumption.
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