Acoustic Solution

Design Practice Profiles

Spring 2026

The Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs (HIVE) breathes new life into Winchester’s historic 1940 armory, transforming the former National Guard training site and community gathering place into a dynamic center for learning and service. After stabilizing and restoring the 18,000-square-foot structure with careful masonry repair, new roofing, and historically sensitive windows, the design team reimagined the gymnasium as a suite of cutting-edge incubator and academic spaces, including immersive learning labs, maker areas and a mezzanine connected to the E-Sports arena. The adjacent armory is being repurposed as a dedicated Veterans Center offering counseling, employment support and community resources. A striking new glass addition, the Collaboratory, complements the historic architecture while housing the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL) and providing flexible event space. Blending preservation with innovation, the HIVE honors its military heritage while supporting Shenandoah University’s evolving academic vision. Photo: Eric Laignel
The Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs (HIVE) breathes new life into Winchester’s historic 1940 armory, transforming the former National Guard training site and community gathering place into a dynamic center for learning and service. After stabilizing and restoring the 18,000-square-foot structure with careful masonry repair, new roofing, and historically sensitive windows, the design team reimagined the gymnasium as a suite of cutting-edge incubator and academic spaces, including immersive learning labs, maker areas and a mezzanine connected to the E-Sports arena. The adjacent armory is being repurposed as a dedicated Veterans Center offering counseling, employment support and community resources. A striking new glass addition, the Collaboratory, complements the historic architecture while housing the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL) and providing flexible event space. Blending preservation with innovation, the HIVE honors its military heritage while supporting Shenandoah University’s evolving academic vision. Photo: Eric Laignel
ESa Logo Black

Founded in 1961 and located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, ESa celebrates their past and looks toward the future by creating environments across the country that shapes lives. They provide services in architecture, interior architecture, master planning and space planning to our clients in commercial, community + arts, education, healthcare, hospitality, residential and senior living.

ESa (Earl Swensson Associates)

Established: 1961

Employees: 200

Key Education Projects:

  • Belmont University, Buddy Lee Attraction/Capitol Records Renovation, Nashville, TN
  • Moravian University, Haupert Union Building (HUB), Bethlehem, PA
  • University of Tennessee Knoxville, Presidential Court, Knoxville, TN

Contact

Wendell Brown, AIA, NCARB
Principal
615-760-6706
wendellb@esarch.com