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Grimm & Parker Logo

Hazel Hall, Laurel Ridge Community College

Warrenton, Virginia

client

Virginia Community College System

size

40,000 sf

type

New Construction

Grimm + Parker was engaged by Laurel Ridge Community College to develop an updated masterplan for their Fauquier Campus. Having just acquired significant additional land, the master plan provides a vision for long-term growth but also inspired community interest and action, ultimately resulting in funding for a much-needed new building.

Hazel Hall was conceived in the master plan to create critical mass and a sense of place on the existing, rural, two-building campus. Programmatically, the project was driven by priorities to enhance student pathways to careers and four-year degrees, reinforce the healthcare workforce, and provide a community destination for meetings and events.

The building is situated on campus to define an intimate but ample outdoor space in synergy with existing buildings, creating a dramatic presence when approached on foot or by car. A lawn and hardscaped plaza are activated by building functions, including the multi-purpose, pre-function space and a student lounge.

Hazel Hall supports STEM-H programming with classrooms, wet labs, dry flex/engineering labs, a makerspace, and labs for nursing skills and high-definition simulation. Unique functions include a simulated operating room and a dissection/cadaver lab needed for the currently offered Surgical Technician credential and, upon accreditation, a Surgical First Assistant credential.

Attending to student life outside the classroom, lounges and a variety of seating options are dispersed throughout.

Closing Thoughts

Since its opening, this new college and community asset has fulfilled its vision. It is alive with student life and learning and has already hosted packed community events in its large multi-purpose ballroom.

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