It's in the Details: Renewing Andrews House

The renovation of Andrews House at Brown University balances preserving a beautiful historic structure with renewing it for a second century of service. Built in 1901 as a winter residence for textile tycoon Alfred M. Coats, the building later served as the Rhode Island governor’s mansion before housing a Brown University health center and interim academic facility for Brown University. It now serves as the home of the Cogut Institute for the Humanities.

The renewal brings new life to the Andrews House’s original decorative elements, including its marble flooring, wood paneling, and decorative molding and hardware. Here are a few of our favorite details, polished and re-presented, a testament to the superior craftsmanship of this outstanding historic campus building (and to the stewardship of Brown University).

We sought to create a space that honors the legacy of the building while establishing a modern, forward-looking home for the Cogut Institute.
Kristen Caulk Associate

The iconic first-floor ballroom, a space once used to entertain dignitaries, has been repurposed as a premier event space for the Cogut Institute.

Before

Modern, sustainable heating, cooling, and electrical systems were integrated into the renovation, ensuring efficiency without compromising the building’s historical integrity.

New systems and reconfigured spaces are designed to promote collaboration, accessibility, and sustainability—and preserve the building’s distinctive original features.
Jim Clifford Senior Associate