Semans Arts & Administration Building Renovation

The Semans Arts and Administration Building (SAAB) was designed by Szostak Design, an award-winning architectural design and planning firm based in Chapel Hill and the architect of record for the Durham Performing Arts Center. Davie Construction of Advance is the general contractor. Their portfolio includes several projects at Elon and Wake Forest universities.

This renovation was funded by the Connect NC Bond Act, which was approved by North Carolina voters in 2016. UNCSA received $10.9 million for two projects related to our strategic plan: $8 million for repurposing the old library, and $2.9 million for repairs to and partial renovation of Alex Ewing Performance Place.

The project involved repurposing the space to accommodate various multipurpose and seminar rooms; rehearsal spaces; a recording studio; Drama and Dance faculty offices and conference rooms; a campus event space for meetings and receptions; and university administration, including offices for the chancellor, provost, chief of staff and general counsel.

Part of the construction project included the removal of the overgrowth of trees that blocks the north end of Workplace, where the building faces Daniels Plaza. The long-term plan for the area includes extensive landscaping that will be placed in concert with an outdoor amphitheater, to which the existing topography lends itself.

The renovation was complete in summer of 2020.