St. Philip’s College – Clarence W. Norris Building Additions and Renovations
Pfluger Architects redesigned Norris Technical Center for St. Philip’s College, integrating modern requirements, multiple departments, and flexible spaces, with a focus on accessibility and preserving campus heritage.
Pfluger collaborated with St. Philip’s College to transform the 50-year-old Norris Technical Center into a dynamic facility housing multiple departments, training areas, classrooms, labs, meeting rooms, offices, and support spaces. The design skillfully integrates modern MEP, IT, life safety and accessibility code requirements into the existing structure.
The building houses the college’s Reading and English departments, Instructional Technology and the Information and Communication Technology department. It is also host to the Learning Lab, Reading Lab, Tutoring and Technology Center (TNT) and the Rose R. Thomas Writing Center.
Flexibility was a key element, allowing the building systems and spaces to adapt to the evolving educational and training needs of its users. A newly designed entrance connects the facility to the campus core, featuring a lobby with collaboration spaces, student-centered gathering areas, reconfigured stairs, and an elevator to meet accessibility requirements. To honor the building’s history and namesake, the lobby showcases a replica of Dr. Norris’s office, preserving an important part of the campus heritage.
Design: Pfluger Architects
Project Team: Chris Lammers, Christian Owens, Joshua Newton, Tony Plascencia
Contractor: Skanska
Photography: Thomas McConnell
