TROY, NY – On May 8, SWBR joined Emma Willard School (EWS) faculty and staff to celebrate the ribbon cutting of new on-campus faculty housing; marking a meaningful milestone in the school’s continued investment in its people.
Founded in 1814 by women’s rights advocate Emma Willard, the independent all-girls institution has long been a trailblazer in women’s education. As part of its Leading with Purpose master plan, administrators identified expanded on-campus housing as a key strategy for bolstering faculty recruitment and connection to campus life.
Our Housing team partnered closely with EWS to create residences that meet contemporary living needs and remain grounded in the scale and character of the historic campus.
Shaped by input from collaborative visioning sessions, the project introduces 12 townhouse-style homes sited alongside existing residences. The arrangement reinforces a cohesive neighborhood feel and maintains a clear internal environment distinct from surrounding streets. Each home balances independence and community with private entrances and rear patios that provide personal outdoor space.
Architecturally, the design draws from EWS’ established vocabulary. Stone bases anchor each building and echo the urban fabric, with contemporary materials and floor-to-ceiling windows that introduce natural light and modern sensibilities. Inside, open layouts create welcoming, adaptable living spaces suited to a range of family needs.
“Our focus was on cultivating the living-and-learning vibe that makes Emma Willard unique,” said SWBR Project Manager Brian Dionne. “These homes feel fully embedded within the campus while offering the comfort and quality that faculty need to build their lives here.”
The completed residences represent the first phase of a broader long-term vision, with future phases increasing capacity to a total of 22 units.
Serving as Architect of Record, SWBR joined forces with Consigli (Construction Manager) to deliver the 14K SF, $10.2M development — supporting EWS’ mission by honoring its legacy and positioning the campus for the future.