Miami University completed a $72 million renovation of Bachelor Hall, expanding the building to 120,418 sq ft and adding modern classrooms, collaboration spaces and a television studio. The courtyard was filled to create a four-story atrium, and the Department of Media, Journalism and Film relocated into the building. Renamed the Altman Institute for the Humanities, the hall is now connected to the Western Campus Geothermal Plant, which is expected to cut energy use by about 50%.
Inside Miami University's $72M Renovation of Bachelor Hall — New Atrium, TV Studio and Geothermal Upgrade
Miami University renovated Bachelor Hall to create a Humanities Center.
Miami University has completed a $72 million renovation and expansion of Bachelor Hall, modernizing teaching spaces, improving sustainability and creating a new home for media programs on the Oxford campus.
Address: 301 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford, Ohio.
Building Type: Academic building.
Owner: Miami University.
Architects: BSA Design.
Construction: Messer.
Size: Expanded from 112,000 to 120,418 sq ft.
Cost: $72 million.
What Changed
The renovation transforms the rear "doughnut" portion of the building — previously offices and classrooms arranged around an open courtyard — by filling the courtyard and creating a dramatic four-story atrium that improves daylighting, circulation and communal space.
The math and English departments as well as the Speech and Hearing Clinic find their home in Bachelor Hall on Miami University’s campus on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Oxford, Ohio.
Improvements include 20 updated classrooms, 141 offices, refreshed seating and collaboration zones, and a new television studio. Josh Chapin, Miami's director of news and communications, noted these upgrades support both traditional humanities instruction and modern media production needs.
New Home For Media, Journalism And Film
Following the demolition of Williams Hall over the summer, the Department of Media, Journalism and Film has relocated into Bachelor Hall, gaining access to the studio and additional instructional space.
Miami University renovated Bachelor Hall to create a Humanities Center.
Sustainability Upgrades
BSA Design says the project emphasizes energy efficiency. Bachelor Hall is now connected to Miami's Western Campus Geothermal Plant as part of the university's plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2040. BSA estimates the renovation and geothermal connection will reduce the building's energy consumption by roughly 50% compared with its previous performance.
Humanities Center Renamed
The university's Humanities Center will be renamed the Altman Institute for the Humanities in recognition of donor and former trustee John Altman. The Miami University Alumni Association praised the renovation as "a new chapter for the humanities," highlighting the university's renewed investment in liberal arts education even as some institutions cut back.
Miami University renovated Bachelor Hall to create a Humanities Center.
“At a time when many institutions across the nation are scaling back their investment in the humanities, Miami University is boldly investing in the enduring value — and future — of a liberal arts education,” the Alumni Association said.
Context And Community Impact
The renovations follow a review three years earlier in which the university considered consolidating 18 humanities majors in response to enrollment and budget pressures. The upgraded Bachelor Hall signals Miami's commitment to maintaining vibrant humanities and media programs while improving campus sustainability.
Grand Opening
The renovated Bachelor Hall will host a grand opening from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, during Homecoming weekend. The program includes guided tours, interactive exhibits and demonstrations by students and faculty, according to the Miami University Alumni Association.
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