For the past 66 years, scores of Spelman College students have stayed in a four-story, brick building that resembles a big house. But when the dorm residents enter the old building in August, they’ll be met with some fresh 2017 updates.

Winter Spaces, a division of Winter Construction, is renovating the 31,472-square foot Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Hall, according to a news release. Renovations of the 125-bed residence hall should be completed by the upcoming academic year.

Project improvements will include converting all bathtubs to showers, upgrading electrical systems and repairing the roof.

The dorm opened in 1952 with funds donated by John D. Rockefeller Jr.; the name honors his wife and philanthropist Abby Aldrich, according to Spelman's website. The dorm has single, double, triple and quadruple occupancy rooms, with amenities including a computer lounge, exercise room and laundry facilities.

This is Winter’s fifth project at Spelman College in more than 15 years. The company is also working on projects with Georgia Gwinnett College and Clark Atlanta University.

Menefee Architecture is the architectural firm for the project.

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In previous Spelman coverage:

Jane Smith, executive director of Spelman College’s Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, refers to a phrase in Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg's new book "Lean In" that reads, "Do not leave before you leave."

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