Dorms are a home away from home for most first-time students. They should be comfortable, safe, and designed to help students settle into campus life. When the University of South Dakota set out to renovate Richardson Hall and prepare for the upcoming renovation of Olson Hall, the goal was simple: create spaces where students feel supported, connected, and at home.

 Schemmer worked closely with USD to completely renew Richardson Hall, turning an aging building into a fresh, modern living environment that better meets today’s needs. Every corner of the hall was reimagined, including student rooms, restrooms, laundry areas, lounges with kitchenettes, shared common spaces, and stair towers at each end.

The work involved full demolition, new framing and casework, updated finishes, and installation of durable, easy-to-maintain features that stand up to daily student life. Behind the walls, upgrades to fire protection, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems improved safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.

One of the most complex aspects of the renovation involved removing deteriorating concrete floors and rusting metal decks, then rebuilding them with new metal decking and sloped concrete floors designed for proper drainage in the restrooms and long-term durability.

As USD continues planning and design for Olson Hall, the lessons learned from Richardson have become the foundation for the next phase. The upcoming renovation will further enhance the student living experience by bringing brighter, more open interiors, an elevator, and updated amenities to meet the evolving needs of campus life.  Olson Hall will go out for bid in March and is scheduled for completion in July 2027.

 Today, Richardson Hall feels like a true home base for students: inviting, comfortable, and built for connection. Each design decision supports student well-being and fosters a sense of belonging. With Olson Hall on the horizon, USD and Schemmer are continuing the work of building a campus where students can thrive, recharge, and make memories that last.