Originally built in 1885, Fuller Hall is the central administration and classroom building of Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vermont. Bread Loaf provided Integrated Project Management services to restore space within the old chapel to serve as a campus Great Room. The restored Great Room now functions as the School’s library, archive storage, reception hall and small performance space.

Bread Loaf’s design solution provides a direct and gracious entrance with restoration of the original nine foot tall doors and repetition of their proportions in a series of grand portals that lead to the Great Room and archival space. Existing plaster walls were refinished and the existing wood ceiling was restored to its original elegance. The stained glass windows were reconditioned and received insulated storm windows. New built-in bookshelves and carrels serve to organize the library into appropriately scaled areas.

Selected finishes, paint colors, carpet and furniture completed the transformation of the space into a cohesive and welcoming environment for students to gather and study. Present codes also required installation of a Limited Use Limited Access (LULA) elevator and American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant rest rooms.