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After more than two years, the historic Hellems Arts and Sciences building is ready to welcome faculty, staff and students back to campus life. This month, faculty and staff members will begin moving into their newly renovated offices, and when the spring semester kicks off in January, students will once again fill the halls of one of CU ������ý����’s most iconic academic spaces.

The renovation was made possible through a combination of university resources and partial funding from the state of Colorado, underscoring the shared commitment to preserving historic campus spaces while advancing sustainability and student success.

A thoughtful renovation for modern needs

Originally constructed in 1921, Hellems was the first building on campus designed in Charles Klauder’s signature Tuscan vernacular style and has long been a cornerstone of the university’s academic experience. The renovation project was designed not only to preserve its historic character but also to meet the needs of today’s learners and educators. The updated spaces feature improved accessibility, modernized classrooms and collaborative areas that foster connection and creativity.

The building also holds cultural significance as the home of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, which stages performances in the adjacent Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre each summer. The renovation ensures this beloved tradition continues in a space that reflects CU ������ý����’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

Student-first design

From the earliest planning stages, the renovation followed a student-first process, incorporating feedback from students to ensure the building supports their academic success and well-being. Classrooms were reimagined to encourage active learning and collaboration, while study spaces and common areas were designed to promote comfort, flexibility and community. These changes aim to create an environment where students can thrive academically and socially within a historic setting that now meets modern expectations.

“The renovation of Hellems was guided by a student-first approach,” said Ann Stevens, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Every design decision, from flexible classrooms to collaborative spaces, was made with the goal of enhancing how students learn and connect. This reimagined building creates an environment that supports academic success, fosters community and reflects the values of a modern university.”

Sustainability at the core

One of the most significant aspects of the renovation is its commitment to sustainability. The project incorporated multiple strategies to reduce environmental impact, including:

• Energy efficiency:��Upgraded HVAC systems, LED lighting and enhanced insulation dramatically improve energy performance.
• Water conservation:��Low-flow fixtures and efficient plumbing systems help minimize water usage.
• Material choices:��More than 80% of original clay roof tiles were reused, and terrazzo and hardwood flooring were refurbished instead of replaced.
• Smart design:��Triple-pane windows, daylight-optimized layouts and improved ventilation create healthier, more efficient spaces.

These efforts will reduce the building’s energy use intensity (EUI) by nearly 68%, even with the addition of air conditioning.��

“This project is truly setting the bar for what a building that is over 100 years old can achieve,” said Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience. “We’re dramatically cutting energy use and emissions while creating modern, flexible spaces that support student success based on their input into the design process. These upgrades foster collaboration, comfort and well-being—key elements for learning—while reducing operating costs and improving efficiency.”��

“This project reflects CU ������ý����’s commitment to climate action and sustainability leadership,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability. “Hellems is now a model for how we can honor our history, and create modern spaces for students and faculty, while building for a low-carbon future.”��

The university is also targeting LEED Gold certification, a benchmark for sustainable building practices.

Looking ahead

With faculty returning in mid-December and students arriving for classes in January, the reopening of Hellems marks a milestone in CU ������ý����’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and academic excellence.��

“Hellems is more than a building. It’s a symbol of CU ������ý����’s dedication to the liberal arts as the intellectual heart of the university,” says Daryl Maeda, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “A liberal arts education teaches us to think deeply, question critically and connect ideas across disciplines. In the reimagined Hellems, those connections become a lived experience.”

To celebrate this achievement, Arts and Sciences Donor and Alumni Relations, in partnership with Arts and Sciences academic leadership, is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 10, 2026, aligning with the university’s 150th anniversary.