For years, the room formerly known as Kirby Parlor had fallen short of its potential. Students called it “the depressing room,” while faculty and staff used it only when necessary. Its dim lighting and lack of technology made it impractical for the types of gatherings the Perkins community envisioned.
“The room had gradually become a storage space for donated furniture that wasn’t suitable for event use,” said Pam Goolsby, Perkins’ Building and Events Manager, who served as the on-site contact during the renovation.
That all changed with the recent renovation. The new, modern Kirby Commons, unveiled in early October, now stands as a functional and welcoming space that honors its history while meeting the needs of today’s campus.
Reimagining a Historic Space
The project began with a clear vision from FBT Architects.
“The design goal was to provide a modern, elegant, adaptable and functional meeting space that recognized and respected the historic architectural nature of the existing meeting hall,” said Daniel Chamberlain, Principal at FBT, and Kourtney Moses, Intern Architect.
For Perkins, that meant creating a space for both intimate gatherings and large events while maintaining its 1940s-era architectural character.
“The existing room itself was the key design inspiration,” they said. “Engaging and respecting the room’s elegant proportions for one. Secondly, the replacement of existing exterior doors and windows while maintaining the proportions and light divisions. A third, and primary, inspiration was the existing architectural moldings — these were maintained and also recreated in the new modern ceiling elements.”
The adjacent kitchen was also transformed with new flooring, cabinets, and appliances to enhance everyday usability.
Coordination and Collaboration
The renovation required close collaboration among architects, engineers, and construction teams.
“Engineers and lighting designers were employed to provide functional requirements for air and light, maintaining the existing backbone infrastructure,” the FBT team shared. “These included: lighting design, existing HVAC, sound and AV systems.”
Israel Garcia, Project Superintendent, managed daily operations. “The project manager oversaw the entire project from preconstruction through substantial completion,” he said. “As superintendent, I coordinated subcontractors and ensured work was completed safely and on schedule.”
Goolsby served as the bridge between Perkins and the construction team. “I spent much of my time working directly with the construction company’s project manager,” she said. “Depending on the phase, we met daily or weekly to review the scope of work and address any challenges that arose.”
Garcia praised her leadership: “Pam is awesome! Her daily communication, attention to detail, and understanding of project timelines were essential in keeping the project on schedule.”
Overcoming Obstacles
Renovating a nearly century-old building brought inevitable surprises.
“As with any renovation, conditions above ceilings and behind walls are unknown until demolition begins,” Garcia said. “For Kirby Hall, built in 1924, one key challenge was the ceiling layout due to limited space between the existing concrete and finished ceiling.”
To resolve this, the team worked closely with the architects to redesign the ceiling layout, reconfiguring ductwork to allow for new lighting and projector alignment.
From the administrative side, Goolsby recalled how the team stayed committed to the schedule. “To stay as close as possible to the original schedule, the construction company extended its efforts beyond the standard Monday–Friday workweek,” she said.
The Reveal: A Space Reborn
When the doors to Kirby Commons reopened, reactions were immediate and heartfelt. The dedication ceremony concluded with a prayer blessing the space for generations to come.
“At the ribbon cutting and dedication, the reaction from everyone was the same,” said Chamberlain and Moses. “This is the same room, elevated and improved for use, still elegant, new and beautifully lit, outfitted with the technology needed to be a useful contributor to the modern goals of Perkins Theology.”
Garcia echoed their pride. “It was incredibly rewarding to hear the staff express their gratitude and excitement,” he said. “This project was meaningful to me because it allowed me to create a welcoming, updated space for students and faculty.”
Having witnessed the entire transformation, Goolsby reflected on its significance. “My hope is that anyone who uses Kirby Commons feels a deep appreciation for its history while enjoying the comfort and functionality of a modern environment,” she said. “I envision it as a versatile venue, capable of hosting a wide range of events with ease.”
The new Kirby Commons now stands as a vibrant reflection of collaboration, craftsmanship, and care — a space both timeless and forward-looking, ready to serve the Perkins community for generations to come.
