One of the most major changes in the renovation was a transformation of the building’s south side. Formerly a loading dock, the south side now is an entrance that opens internally to split-level common spaces, an academic suite of classrooms and faculty offices, a new round-the-clock front desk and a kitchen for student use. The original north-side entrance remains in place.

Baker is now compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and offers a number of sustainability features that are standard of new construction on campus to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs. It is designed for LEED-Platinum certification.

The building’s green features are especially evident in each student room including “smart” heating and cooling units that automatically turn off when windows are open, vacancy sensors that automatically shut off lights in empty rooms and power outlets that can be switched off to prevent energy consumption when appliances are not in use.

Baker also is outfitted with low-flow plumbing, energy-efficient lighting and increased natural light throughout, as well as a water bottle refill station that displays an estimate of the number of plastic bottles diverted from landfills as users fill up.

State-of-the-art washing machines installed in Baker for student use are the first of their kind on campus. They use only cold water, reducing energy needs, and get clothes cleaner through an oxidization process that breaks down the molecular bonds that hold dirt to clothing, having a disinfecting effect.

The $41.5-million renovation includes 115,000 sq ft, 456 beds, 256 student rooms, a hall director apartment, a faculty apartment, four classrooms and 10 faculty offices.

The total cost of the project will be financed through available cash and bonds that will be repaid through room and board rates.

Following the renovation of the Kittredge West residence hall in 2012-13, the Baker project is part of a series of efforts to enhance CU-Boulder’s RAPs and to bring the campus’s buildings to current-day standards of quality and efficiency.