Historic McDonald Hall Renovated With an Eye on Sustainability

Champlain College has just completed an eight-month renovation of McDonald Hall, one of Burlington’s historic Victorian-era mansions. The updated residence hall balances historical preservation with modern accessibility, comfort, and applied sustainability that are central to Champlain’s commitment to efficiency and progress toward carbon neutrality.

McDonald Hall accommodates 45 students, with its first floor and lower level now fully accessible. The building is 100% fossil-fuel free, replacing its natural gas heating with a new ground source heating and cooling (geothermal) and electric heat pump system. The HVAC system uses energy recovery ventilation to improve air quality and circulation, maintain humidity levels, and recycle heat that would otherwise be lost.

“McDonald Hall is one of the grandest homes in Burlington, lived in by the Smith family for two generations and carefully preserved throughout its 126-year history,” said Erica Donnis, Special Collections Director at Champlain College. “This renovation project has retained many original historic features, including interior wood paneling, doors, fireplaces, the main stairway, and porches, while making the necessary updates and accommodations for the building’s new life in the twenty-first century.”

Neagley and Chase Construction were hired along with Colin Lindberg Architects and many other partners to ensure that the renovation and restoration preserved its historic charm with modern upgrades.

Constructed in 1897 by Architect Walter R.B. Willcox, the Romanesque Revival residence was acquired by Champlain College in 1979 and has been home to more than 1,500 Champlain College students. For many, McDonald Hall represents life-changing memories and lasting friendships.

All first-year students at Champlain College live in one of 21 Victorian-era mansions within a short walk of academic and student engagement facilities, creating a distinctive first-year living and learning experience. Unlike living in typical cinder block dormitories, these residence halls are intimate homes in which students rapidly build community.

Abbey Berger-Knorr ’24 reflects on her year in McDonald Hall, “I lived on the second floor overlooking Finney Quad from 2020-2021. My fondest memories of living in McDonald are of my room and the lounge area where residents would gather. I’d spend time there with my friends, often eating together during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

This historic lounge space has been retained in its entirety — refitted with the original pocket-doors, updated with energy-efficient windows, and equipped with additional outlets and data ports —  ready to create new memories for future Champlain students who will call it home.

Related links:

• WCAX story: Champlain College unveils restored McDonald Hall
• Take a Tour Inside the Best. Dorms. Ever.
• Blast From the Past: Champlain’s First-Year Victorian-Era Res Halls
• Five Habits to Practice This Earth Month
• Mattress Move-In Tips for a Sustainable Sleep