The Hillel House at Washington & Lee University has been awarded LEED® Certification, established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

Washington and Lee University has a vibrant Hillel organization, and desired a building dedicated to Jewish student life to advance the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. Glavé and Holmes was commissioned to design a building which both supports the cultural and religious experience of Jewish students as well as welcoming Washington and Lee’s non-Jewish members. In addition to providing a much-needed home to the Hillel organization, the facility was intended to offer the added benefit of providing a resource for the Jewish members of the local community.

The site is located at the edge of campus and fronts on to one of the main streets in the small town of Lexington. The building design creates an identity which is distinctive and contemporary, yet fits within the context of the town and the regional vernacular of the adjacent frame houses. The new Hillel Center features a sanctuary adaptable for educational and social events, a student lounge, a conference room/library, staff and student offices, and a kosher Café that not only is available as a meal plan option for students, but also attracts townspeople from the local community.