Higher Education case study

Thiel College – James Pedas Communication Center

Communications Building | Design Build

the goals

Create a new dynamic educational environment for an emerging program to compete for the brightest students.

Project Background

Thiel College, an independent private college founded in 1866, faces the ongoing challenges of increased competition among small colleges, a rapidly changing educational environment, and funding for key initiatives. To address these challenges and attract students, Thiel sought to strengthen its popular Communications School with an innovative new program and facility.

Thiel needed an adaptive, highly flexible facility with advanced digital equipment and production capabilities, designed to foster and to teach presentation, creativity and dynamic collaboration.

With the support of Dr. James Pedas, a film producer and Thiel College alumnus, Momentum led the development of the new 22,000-square-foot James Pedas Communication Center, created for a new generation of communication professionals, news producers and filmmakers. Momentum’s understanding of capital facilities programs for the college guided the process, helping to secure early alignment around funding, timeline, delivery format and local procurement.

"Momentum has been a consummate advocate for the College and always has our interest in mind when making short and long-term recommendations or decisions.”

Bob Schmoll, Vice President for Finance and Management

New, State-of-the-Art Higher Education Classrooms: Plan. Design. Build.

The James Pedas Communication Center, Thiel College’s first new academic building in more than 40 years, features state-of-the-art film, TV, radio, and news production and broadcast studios, a large group auditorium, open collaborative spaces, private study nooks, and interactive classrooms chock full of presentation technology. Reflecting Thiel’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, the facility achieved LEED Silver certification — the first LEED-certified facility on campus.

Momentum Moment

Thiel College needed a new communications building, but they were struggling to secure funding. During a 100 person stakeholder charrette, the Momentum Team explained the impact that a modern communication center on all of the students, not just in the communication major. Funding was secured, and Thiel College gained a state of the art communications center where students can gain hands-on experience with modern media technology.