Built in 1932, Norman Hall is located at the heart of the University of Florida’s Historical District. The building was originally the home of P.K. Yonge Laboratory School, a K-12 educational center for experimental teaching and educational innovations. Later, it was repurposed as the College of Education building for the University of Florida. It was then granted its new name, Norman Hall, after James W. Norman, previous dean of the college of education.
As a historical building and architectural gem — boasting a durable English bond brick façade, clock tower, and cast stone gargoyles — Norman Hall has demonstrated extraordinary resilience since its creation. In order to keep up with modern collegiate demand, the nearly 100-year-old building and its infrastructure required updating. The original building was not equipped with an HVAC system, and the minor renovations that took place provided limited, piecewise cooling and heating solutions. This renovation offered an opportunity to holistically integrate HVAC systems into the building to improve thermal comfort, enhance IAQ, and comply with current building code requirements. In addition, the classrooms lacked modern telecommunications equipment for teaching and ADA-compliant access for those with mobility issues.