Gilmer Hall is a 52,000-square-foot academic building at Hampden-Sydney College in Prince Edward County, Virginia, currently undergoing a full interior renovation. Originally constructed in 1968 as a science facility, the building is being converted into a modern academic center housing programs in Economics & Business, Government & Foreign Affairs, and leadership-focused study.
Rather than tearing the structure down, the college chose to preserve it while rebuilding everything inside — new HVAC, plumbing, piping, ductwork, fire protection, and accessibility upgrades throughout.
Southern Air is providing the mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC infrastructure for the project. Our teams are handling the full scope of MEP work: coordinating with the general contractor, fabricating components, and installing the systems that will condition and serve the building for the next generation of students.
The project requires the kind of close coordination that older building shells demand. The original 1968 structure sets the constraints — routing, clearances, access points — and our crews work within them while meeting modern code requirements and the college's performance expectations.
When complete, Gilmer Hall will serve Hampden-Sydney's mission of developing leaders in business, government, and public service, with Southern Air's mechanical and plumbing work at the core of everything that keeps the building running.
Project Details
- Location: Prince Edward County, Virginia
- Client: Hampden-Sydney College
- Building Size: 52,000 square feet
- Scope: Mechanical, Plumbing, HVAC, Ductwork, Piping, Fire Protection, Accessibility Infrastructure
- Project Type: Full Interior Renovation of Existing Academic Building
MEP Construction for Higher Education
Higher education facilities present some of the most demanding MEP construction environments — phased schedules built around academic calendars, buildings that can't go fully offline, and finish standards that reflect the institutions they serve.
Southern Air has completed MEP construction on campuses across Virginia including Virginia Tech, James Madison University, the University of Virginia, Liberty University, Longwood University, and the University of Mary Washington. Gilmer Hall adds Hampden-Sydney College to that list.
Learn more about our construction services or explore our work across James Madison University and Liberty University's Commons IV Dormitory.
Southern Air has been employee-owned since 1946. If you're interested in the careers behind projects like this, explore our apprenticeship program or view open positions.
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