James Madison University | Alger Hall

Alger Hall was originally constructed as a dormitory for the State Normal School in Harrisonburg, VA by architect Charles M. Robinson in 1917. It is a three-story structure with a basement on the northwest end located on JMU’s historic Bluestone Quad. MTFA completed a full, life-cycle renovation of the historic dormitory in close collaboration with JMU. The renovated building incorporates public and private zones, with controlled access to residential wings designed to maximize space, and a new elevator serving all floors. A new first-floor entrance provides direct access to the Madison Center.

The first floor is home to the Madison Center for Civic Engagement, a non-partisan entity that emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge to make one a more informed participant in our democracy. Envisioned as the heart and soul of the building, the Madison Center suite brings together a community of leaders to learn and affect change through ideas and relationships. The suite includes multiple offices for executive-level and flex use, two conference and meeting rooms, a resource room, a kitchenette, and a lounge.

The lower level includes study rooms, a kitchen, community gathering spaces, and laundry areas to support the dormitory. Additional lounges are created throughout the building to support student life. At the building’s entry, MTFA restored the historic front portico detailing to its 1917 character, bringing new life to the original building while preserving the architectural character of the historic Bluestone Quad.

The resulting living-learning community creates an environment of interconnected well-being, teaching through living example, place-making, and technology while encouraging residents to interact with one another and the world as a living laboratory for student life. Alger Hall was dedicated in August by President Schmidt and opened for the 2026-27 school year.