The four-story Amherst sandstone Peters Hall was a showplace of Oberlin College when it opened in 1898. But over 90 years later, it had been left to deteriorate and rot. Rehabilitation of this magnificent derelict began with removal of historic stone relief tables for safekeeping during renovation and combined with hazardous material abatement, complete repointing/replacement of mortar joints/stone, removal and complete makeover of existing wood window frames and sash, plus repair of the building’s slate and planetarium’s copper roof. This phase made the building safe and waterproof for subsequent construction.
Next came the creation of a fifth floor and upgrade of all mechanical, vertical transportation, electrical and life safety systems.
Finally, the building’s metamorphosis into a foreign language facility was completed by adding a new sandstone entrance that is ADA compliant and the repair and preservation of the plaster ceilings, string trusses, monumental stair, balcony and wood floors and ceilings to return its historic nature. Today, Peters Hall has regained its stature as a showplace among all of the beautiful buildings on the Oberlin College campus.