Danna Center Renovations at Loyola University

A phased renovation reimagines a mid-century student center with a light-filled central corridor that strengthens campus connections, expands dining and gathering spaces, and centers the daily student experience while preserving the building’s architectural character.

LOCATION

New Orleans, LA

Size

Phase I Renovations - 51,500 SF Total Building Size - 103,000 SF

Collaborators

Salas O'Brien - Structural Engineer Salas O'Brien - MEP Engineer, Fire Protection, A/V &Low Voltage Engineer SLS Consulting - Fire & Life Safety Marais Consultants – Civil Engineer Futch Design Associates – Food Service Design TESSERE – Restaurant Design Consultant & Restaurant Interior Design Coordination ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions – Door Hardware & Security Solutions SPEC Services – Specification Consultant Gandolfo Kuhn – Land Surveyor Eustis Engineering Company – Geotechnical Engineer Landis Construction – Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Dupont LeCorgne - Owner's Representative
Entry sequence into Danna Center from Peace Quad

Originally constructed in 1961, the Danna Center has long served as the social and dining heart of Loyola University New Orleans. EskewDumezRipple’s phased renovation renews the mid-century modern building to better support contemporary campus life while respecting the clarity, scale, and material character of the original structure.

Central, light-filled corridor & booths for studying, lounging, or eating

The project is organized around a new central corridor that runs through the entire building and connects to quads on both sides, creating a new route that connects the campus. The main corridor brings daylight deep into the core and reconnects dining, student commons, and gathering spaces. By opening the previously inward-facing maze of areas, the renovation changes the Danna Center to be a connective hub that students move through naturally throughout the day.

Food court & food service area

Dining & Student Experience

Improved dining and food service spaces drove the renovation design and determined where areas and circulation would be. Phase I transforms the main dining room, market, kitchens, and student seating areas, plus adds franchise restaurants to the food court. The improvements expand much-needed dining and food service capacity and offer a wide range of seating types and dining environments. These changes respond directly to how students eat, study, and gather between classes, transforming dining from a single destination into an integrated campus experience.

The Orleans Room, the main dining area in the Danna Center

Interior Concept

The interior design concept, Natural Revelation, draws inspiration from Loyola’s faith-based mission through connections to the natural world. Light-filled interiors, views to the central courtyard and mature trees, and a palette of warm wood, terrazzo, and glass create a calm, welcoming atmosphere while preserving key mid-century architectural elements.

St. Charles Ballroom, a multi-use event space
Exterior rendering of fully-complete renovation

Delivery & Phasing

Phase I was delivered in just 87 days, an accelerated timeline shaped by the academic calendar and the need to minimize disruption to campus life. Through close collaboration among the design team, contractor, and university stakeholders, construction was carefully sequenced to maintain dining operations and limit impacts on students, representing a significant success in construction administration and coordination.

Structural and roof upgrades introduced during this phase are designed to support future vertical expansion, positioning the Danna Center for growth and change as the university’s needs evolve.