University of North Dakota Gershman Graduate Center

The Gershman Graduate Center, UND’s original President’s residence individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is now home to the University’s first Graduate & International Student Engagement Center — a dedicated space for graduate students to call their own, to build community, and assist the school with attracting and retaining up-and-coming talent. The greatest challenge for JLG was to turn a dilapidated house into a modern center by updating code and life safety items without impacting the historic elements, including adding an elevator and additional restrooms, and lowering the basement to increase headroom. The restoration of the center was privately funded, and JLG worked closely with the donor to select finishes and reimagine the spaces to create a place for modern engagement with an old-school library feel.