April 4, 2023

Wrapping Up Fourth Floor Renovations

We’re almost there! After nearly four years of renovations, we can almost say, “We’re done!” Final—but big—touches are currently being completed on the fourth floor, where we’ll now have five apartments for faculty and UW Rome Center intern use. Kitchens, lighting, and doors are currently being installed and wardrobes are being built. We’re also getting ready for some much needed dusting off of furniture and a complete rehab of the Penthouse apartment terrace.

As this floor is dedicated to apartments, the project took a different shape as we envisioned how to best make use of the space and make each apartment more functional for its inhabitants. The most major change in use was the reconfiguration of the former studio-turned library and computer lab-turned temporary office and classroom space to two new apartments. For anyone who knows this space, our challenge was to make them light and comfortable without the gift of a view with the tall windows. In the new apartment to the right, we were able to repurpose the prior bathroom and laundry room into a kitchen with a view. Other important changes to the layout also include direct access to the balcony from the bedroom in the first apartment to the left (for those of you who know it, Apartment 410), and removal of the step up to the Penthouse Apartment and step down to the living room. We’re thrilled with the results!

Consistent with the work on the first and third floors, the scope of renovation for the fourth floor also included reinforcement of the floors and new tile throughout, a completely new HVAC system and electrical work throughout the space, and new lighting. And like the other floors, the style and feel still holds the integrity and historical aspects of the building, while offering cleaner lines and greater ease of use for our guests.

We are more than ready to unpack and get the apartments up and running, as we will be welcoming guests early next month. We’ve got lots to do between now and then, but we’ll be ready! And we’re thrilled to be able to share these updates live and in person with guests attending our UW Rome Center Celebration from June 16-18, 2023, where everyone will have a chance to tour the Penthouse Apartment and its beautiful terrace overlooking Campo de’ Fiori—offering an unparalleled view of the city line including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Janiculum Hill.

To learn more about the UW Rome Center Celebration, please click here! We’d love to have you join us to celebrate not only the completion of the renovations, but also to celebrate the history and legacy of more than 35 years of the University of Washington in Rome.