Princeton-based KSS Architects on Friday announced the completion of its strategic renovation of the College Center at Crozier-Williams (the Cro) at Connecticut College. The project successfully transforms an underutilized asset, originally constructed in 1957, into the dynamic social center and “heart of campus” it was originally intended to be.
The design drew heavily from the College’s identity as an arboretum campus, employing a unifying concept to bring the arboretum inside. The renovation incorporates biophilic and universal design strategies to activate the space, reinforce the campus character, and support overall student wellness. The work focused on modernizing the lobby, the upstairs dining area, the terrace, and the main event space.
“A campus center is far more than just a building that offers student programs and services—it represents the heartbeat of student life,” Petar Mattioni, partner at KSS Architects, said. “Strategic interventions within existing facilities can yield significant results—particularly in spaces that foster connection and invest in student success beyond the classroom.”
The redesign honors the building’s Midcentury Modern roots. Key elements of the renovation include:
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The Lobby: Features natural materials like wood and stone, offering flexible seating areas for study and social interaction.
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The Cro’s Nest (Upstairs Dining): Now an open, flowing dining area with a relocated pub that serves as both a social venue and an event space.
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The Terrace: Opens onto a large terrace that provides scenic views of the surrounding campus. Mindful landscaping and collaboration with the student garden underscore the College’s commitment to sustainability.
Victor Arcelus, dean of Students at Connecticut College, confirmed the immediate success of the project. “The new Cro has quickly become a vibrant hub for our campus community, strengthening connections among students, faculty, and staff,” Arcelus said. He noted that the building transformed from a “quiet, underused space with bland, white-walled rooms to an activated, colorful, and inviting building that captures our identity as an arboretum campus.”
At night, the newly renovated building now serves as a “beacon, drawing students together,” effectively restoring its original purpose as a central gathering place.
