Sometimes in life, a second chance is possible. Take the trend of converting old facilities into newer, repurposed spaces as an example. While these dilapidated lots could be left to rot for years, some designers, architects and organizations instead seize on opportunities to give these buildings new leases on life. Case in point: a Hampton Inn in Long Island, New York, that closed down but then was converted into student housing for the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT).
The 53,000-square-foot hotel opened in 2009 with 80 rooms and a parking lot with 81 parking spaces. The hotel shut down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, three years later, the property was acquired by PX4 Development that resulted in a long-term lease agreement with NYIT.
One of the biggest challenges to convert this into housing for students was optimizing space utilization from a programming standpoint, says Carmela Zino, RA, LEED AP, NCARB, managing associate and senior project manager at TPG Architecture.
“Our team had to evaluate the ideal number of students per room while ensuring that shared spaces were maximized for student use,” Zino says. “Unlike a hotel, which is designed for short-term stays, student housing must create a sense of community while providing an environment conducive to academic success.”
This ultimately meant reimagining what were previously guest rooms as comfortable, functional living spaces all while incorporating new common areas for student interaction. These shared areas incorporated a blend of quiet study zones and recreational space to foster a communal feel.
“Whether students sought a focused work environment or a place to unwind and connect, the redesigned common areas provided the perfect balance,” Zino says.
The interiors also had to be transitioned from a traditional hospitality aesthetic to a more vibrant, youthful and engaging environment.
To accomplish that, the building’s infrastructure was updated to meet modern standards, such as installing new LED lighting throughout the facility. This was done to create a brighter and more energy-efficient environment, Zino says. In addition, the IT infrastructure was overhauled, ensuring high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the building to support students’ academic and personal needs.
“These upgrades were essential in transforming the space into a true student-focused residence rather than simply a repurposed hotel,” Zino says.
Beyond the interior layout, enhancing the building’s connection to the main NYIT campus was essential due to it being an off-campus location. NYIT focused on strategic exterior renovations to improve curb appeal and create a more welcoming presence, Zino says. This included installing new signage, landscaping improvements and refining the main entrance experience to establish a stronger sense of arrival. There’s also shuttle services, ensuring students could travel between the dormitory and main campus with ease.
“Inside, the main lobby now serves as a functional waiting area for the shuttle service and a warm, inviting space that helps students feel at home,” Zino says.
Ultimately, she says a key takeaway from this project was recognizing the value of involving students early in the design process, as understanding their needs and preferences allowed them to make informed design decisions.
“Additionally, this project reinforced the importance of flexibility in adaptive reuse — while a former hotel may seem like a natural fit for student housing, thoughtful programming and strategic design are essential to ensure the space truly supports student life,” Zino says.
Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.
