Challenges that faced the THA team included restoration and reconstruction of eleven historic cottages and the transformation of 200,000 square feet of building interiors into electronic lecture halls, libraries, offices and food services areas for campus program use. In order to address building envelope restoration, THA collaborated with the National Research Council to develop techniques of stabilization that would fulfill the long-term reuse mandate.

The adaptive reuse of this historic place and the redevelopment of the landscape are significant demonstrations of conservation planning principles. A centerpiece of the contemporary design is the reinforcement of the west facing quadrangle form by a 1200-foot-long concourse and raised pedestrian walkway that effectively separates vehicular and pedestrian traffic.