Vassar’s first modernist building and the only cooperative residence on campus, the Dexter Mason Ferry House was designed and built in 1951 by Marcel Breuer.
Restoration by Herbert Beckhard and Frank Richlan Associates with Michael Szerbaty.
This modern landmark suffered from unsympathetic renovations and maintenance along with 50 years of use. The President of Vassar, Frances Fergusson, personally selected the firm to direct the $2.8 million renovation/restoration of the building.
The project restored the dormitory as closely as possible to the original design while meeting contemporary needs. Lounges, dining room, dormrooms, bathrooms and the kitchen were renovated. New furnishings utilizing designs of the period were provided.
Computer infrastructure, serving dormrooms and lounge areas, was installed and existing fire alarm, electrical and lighting systems were upgraded to meet current codes and standards.
The existing radiant heating under the slate floor was supplemented and the HVAC system was upgraded by adding wallmounted radiators. The exterior restoration included recreating sunshades to match the original design, restoring exterior cedar panels and trim, repairs to the low wing roof deck and re-roofing of the dormitory wing.
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