The Lewis Collaborative
Washington University and Quadrangle Housing
Collaborators
The Lawrence Group
Mahlum Architects
Civil Engineering Design Consultants (CEDC)
Project Facts
Size:
3.75 acres
Completion:
2020
In its pre-rehabilitation form, the Lewis Center occupies a former school, commonly called the Ward Building. Having sustained many additions over the years, this development effort aims to bring a unified and consistent built approach to the building and its grounds. The Lewis Collaborative is currently home to an incubator co-working space, a cafe, and individual residences. This very modern use requires a modern approach in a historic framework.
DTLS proposed a very contemporary insertion of a metal retaining wall that acts as a wayfnding element at the two primary visitor and resident entries. This ele-ment
serves as signage, a truncation for grade variations and the historic stone wall, and
a modern of-set. This vibrant element sets the tone for contemporary and industrial inser-tions
in the building interior, as well.
The architecture of the Lewis Collaborative is focused around two interior courtyards.
These insular gems are envisioned as a respite from the goings-on within the building, and
are meant to be spill-out spaces for collaboration and daily life. Supplemented by new
pavements, planting, and furnishings, the courtyards are the new center of the building and
student life.

The Details
Internal
Courtyard
Amenity