Didn’t DU Trustee Ralph Nagel and his wife Trish give quite the gift? They contributed $4 million to spearhead the nearly $40 million Nagel Hall project. Nagel Hall opened in August after 19 months. This five-story building provides space for students. It also modernizes the University’s housing.
Nagel Hall’s first three floors house sophomores. They live in four-person suites. Each suite has two bedrooms and a shared bathroom. The fourth and fifth floors have apartments for juniors and seniors. Each apartment includes a kitchen, a living room and four single bedrooms. The upper floors feature expansive views. You can see the mountains, the Denver skyline and the DU campus.
Mike Furno said the building encourages upperclassmen to remain on campus. Furno is the associate director of housing operations. He believes a mix of sophomores, juniors and seniors diversifies the campus. Upperclassmen offer experience, maturity and academic focus. This contributes richness to the campus community.
Nagel Hall also houses academic research space. You will find offices and classrooms for the Department of Psychology here. The Center for Teaching and Learning also has classrooms in Nagel Hall.
University Architect Mark Rodgers designed Nagel Hall. He wanted it to fit into the landscape. He also wanted it to be a central point of activity. Rodgers said Nagel Hall is like Grand Central Station. It is a crossing point of campus. It is designed to be more than a place where people sleep.
Ralph Nagel contributed art from his collection. These works are displayed throughout Nagel Hall. He requested a residential room with studio space. This space is for an artist-in-residence program. The program is being developed with the School of Art and Art History.
The architects lessened the environmental impact of Nagel Hall. They used an energy-efficient heating and cooling system. The building has operable windows and a copper roof. The roof is made of 90 percent recycled materials. They installed low-water-use faucets and dual-flush toilets. Low-VOC paint and carpet glues were also used.
The University’s signature structural masonry uses regionally sourced bricks. It is designed to last well beyond 100 years. GH Phipps Construction recycled the construction debris. They diverted up to 75 percent from landfills. The University has submitted Nagel Hall for LEED Gold certification.
Nagel Hall includes a ground-floor food court. It offers quick dining options. There are multiple lounge spaces and study rooms. Common-area kitchens are throughout the building. You can also find space for classes and events. Laundry facilities, a billiards room and a video game room are available. An outdoor dining plaza completes the picture.
The front desk is staffed 24/7 for service and security. The building has electronic card swipe access. This is for apartment and bedroom entry.
Nagel Hall tries to be greener. Its heating and cooling systems use less energy. The plumbing system minimizes water use. The copper is made of recycled metal. Bike racks promote transportation without fossil fuels.
Nagel Hall is located on South High Street. It sits behind the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management building. It is just north of Nelson Hall.
Nagel Hall is more than just a dormitory. It is a community hub and a model for sustainable building.