Rooted in the heart of Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus, James H. Zumberge Hall served as the university library for 45 years before Via Design transformed the five-story building into a new home for administrative offices. The renovation preserved the character of the 1969 structure while introducing a new five-story addition, connected through thoughtfully designed spaces that unify old and new. Original architectural elements, including fluted concrete detailing, were carried into the new design alongside expanded windows and a contemporary curtain wall system.

The interplay of opaque and translucent glass creates a dynamic, layered façade, with glass patterning that subtly repeats the university’s abbreviation in Morse code. Integrated sustainable building systems, water-efficient landscaping, responsible material selections, and strategies supporting occupant comfort and energy performance contributed to the project earning LEED Silver certification in 2014.