KCAI's Vanderslice Hall Renovation Earns Feature in Retrofit Magazine
09.18.2025
The article showcases how Helix Architecture + Design implemented a four-tiered restoration strategy, informed by lessons from past preservation projects, to revitalize the building once known as Marburg: a three-story, 26-room mansion completed in 1895.
In Retrofit Magazine, Vanderslice Hall is described as a campus cornerstone for nearly a century. The article notes that around 30 years ago, parts of the first floor were transformed into offices for admissions, with much of the building’s ornate detail hidden beneath drop ceilings and sheetrock walls.
Inspired by the ornate details of Marburg’s original Flemish Queen Anne design, KCAI and Helix Architecture + Design sought to create a balance between restoration and function, returning 3,245 square feet of the first floor to its original rhythm and feeling while creating an efficient workplace for the admissions team, according to the article.
“The efforts focused on making a memorable first impression in the Grand Hall, returning the Library to an inviting communal area after decades as office space and highlighting the Fernery’s ornate glass to create a signature meeting place,” according to the article.
Retrofit Magazine is a publication dedicated exclusively to the growing retrofit market in design and construction. With challenges from the 2008 recession and recent pandemic pressures, industry professionals and building owners are increasingly focused on updating and repurposing existing spaces. Retrofit Magazine provides facility managers, contractors, and building owners with education, insights, and best practices for navigating this expanding sector. As retrofitting becomes a key part of the nation’s building landscape, Retrofit Magazine offers a dedicated platform to explore its opportunities, innovations, and impact.