University of Maine is the flagship university of the University of Maine System, located in Orono, Maine. This institution The University of Maine’s Orono campus faced significant challenges in modernizing its residential housing portfolio, with most buildings over 50 years old and a substantial deferred maintenance backlog. The University sought to enhance the student experience by addressing critical facility needs, improving accessibility, and creating a more inclusive and affordable housing environment. At the same time, the University of Maine at Machias campus faced similar issues with their housing.
Scion Advisory Services partnered with Gordian and Hanbury to deliver a comprehensive housing analysis. Gordian conducted a detailed facility condition assessment, evaluating existing building systems and identifying and prioritizing deferred maintenance needs. Hanbury led the visioning process, bringing cost-effective and innovative design strategies to modernize spaces and align them with student preferences for semi-suite and apartment-style housing. Scion oversaw stakeholder engagement, facilitating 35 meetings and workshops and gathering input from over 1,000 students through a survey to understand housing needs and preferences.
Together, the team conducted a gap analysis to compare current housing capacity and existing unit types with demand, revealing significant shortages in preferred unit types. Financial modeling was also undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of proposed improvements, ensuring alignment with affordability goals. The team developed a phased plan that includes targeted renovations and strategic new construction to address critical deficiencies while minimizing disruptions and maintaining financial sustainability.
The collaborative effort produced a strategic plan that balances immediate needs with long-term goals. The plan calls for renovating 13 residence halls to modernize spaces, improve building systems, and enhance community areas. Two new semi-suite residence halls are proposed to expand capacity and better serve upperclassmen. The phased implementation ensures that housing availability will be maintained throughout the project timeline. The financial plan prioritizes affordability by minimizing annual rate increases which supports the University’s commitment to providing accessible housing for all students. The plan also satisfies UMaine’s need to comply with the System’s fiscal constraints. The Scion-Hanbury-Gordian team successfully delivered a comprehensive plan that addresses deferred maintenance, enhances student housing options, and supports the University’s vision for a vibrant, inclusive campus.