Story

Fairfield Hall was, until recently, WestConn's only all-female residence hall. Built in 1917, the hall then accommodated 84 students; in 1957 the faculty was renovated and 46 units were added and for the next 50 years stayed virtually unchanged. In 2007 Kronenberger & Sons Restoration, Inc. was contracted by the State of Connecticut to do a full interior renovation of the 34,000 square foot Fairfield Hall turning the modernized dormitory into a coeducational residence hall, housing several lounges and study areas.  This work had to be completed in order for the students to move in prior to the beginning of the school year September 2008. This project started with a complete removal of all asbestos (not in Kronenberger & Sons contract).  Once all asbestos was removed and Kronenberger & Son started selective demolition, there were immediate structural concerns that caused a number of scope changes.  Once uncovered, it was found that the removal and replacement of the majority of concrete sub-floors in the building was necessary as well as the replacement of the majority of steel floor joists that had disintegrated over the years.  There were also a number of issues, once uncovered, with the extensive HVAC package designed to integrate with the existing steam generator plant on site. These problems, along with the normal pitfalls and hidden setbacks associated with this type of work made for quite a few extremely long days and short weekends in order to finish in time for the students' arrival.  Once these problems were solved the project moved along quite well through finishes.  With the help of the State of Connecticut DPW, The University, the Construction Administrator and a host of excellent subcontractors we did meet all of our due dates and the students moved in as scheduled.

Kronenberger & Sons Restoration, Inc. is a three-generation firm specializing in the restoration, preservation and adaptive re-use of historic structures. We serve the industry as general contractors, project managers and historic consultants. The company is comprised of craftspeople with the knowledge, skills and experience to return usability to older structures, while helping them meet the requirements of the 21st century.  Past clients have included museums, municipalities, architects, historical societies and homeowners.  Our projects have included barns, carriage houses, churches, town halls and a vast array of period homes and buildings.