Retention and adaptive reuse of large historic buildings is the very essence of energy conservation and the most important component of a life cycle analysis that results in a solution that is much more sustainable than new construction. The rehabilitation of the Dance Center included other features to enhance continued building sustainability, such as natural light wells through to all three floors, precluding the need for electric lighting during the day; retaining and enhancing areas of exterior overhang, providing solar shading; reusing existing maple flooring as interior cladding; a three-story volume that allows for heat-stack passive cooling. Notably, important character-defining features were maintained throughout, such as the large open spaces, sawtooth clerestories, and exposed structural elements. Historic trusses were left exposed and operable clerestory windows have been retrofitted with actuators to expel heat.

In its new iteration, the now Sandi Simon Center for Dance has become the center of a new community. This project is an excellent representation of change over time by bringing back a vacant, historic building to be utilized by an entirely new generation. This thoughtful and strategic addition to campus bolsters the K-Residence Hall Courtyard, encourages social engagement and enhances the student experience by connecting them directly to the outdoor public space. The Center for Dance not only complements the latest developments in student accommodations, but it also strategically leaves space for future development within the existing shell of the historic building.