At the University of Illinois, FarmHouse Fraternity recently completed a $5 million building renovation to improve daily life for its student residents. A key part of that update focused on the house’s dated and undersized restrooms and showers, which no longer served a group of residents that had grown to 40 individuals. Before the renovation, the layout offered limited separation between spaces, which affected privacy and overall comfort.

“The last major work was done in the 1970s,” said Jack Jungmann, President of the fraternity. “General quality of life updates were needed.”

As part of the redesign, the team added multiple new restroom and shower areas across all floors of the house to improve capacity and create a more private, comfortable environment. To support those goals, the design team selected Scranton Products® Aria Partitions® for the showers and Hiny Hiders® for the toilet areas.

From Outdate and Overcrowded to Clean, Private and Functional

Brant Muncaster, Designer at Reifsteck Wakefield Fanning, led the redesign of the house and was familiar with Scranton Products partitions because his firm commonly specifies them for student housing and other campus projects. “We know they hold up well. They’re easy to keep clean, and the design fits right in with the overall space,” he said.

Both Aria Partitions and Hiny Hiders are made from solid HDPE, a non-porous material that resists dents, moisture, and bacteria. They are proven to stand up to daily high-volume use, are easy to clean, and come with a 25-year warranty. Aria Partitions were selected for the showers because they provide higher privacy in a communal space, and Hiny Hiders were chosen for the toilet areas for their cost-effective, long-term value.

“We needed something that would last,” said Jungmann. “This house probably won’t see another major update for 30 to 50 years, so longevity was a key factor”.

The design team aimed for a masculine, polished aesthetic. “We used tans, grays, and black fixtures to keep it clean and timeless,” Muncaster explained. “The toilet and shower partitions are a tan tone that fits right in with the overall palette. They look built-in, not like an afterthought.”

But the transformation wasn’t just about style. Muncaster and the team reworked the floor plan to separate showers and toilet areas to optimize the space better for dozens of students. They also found creative solutions to work around dormers and sloped ceilings so that more stalls could be added.

“Now we have individual stalls, more personal space, and an overall better experience,” said Jungmann. “Going from four to ten showers across the house is a big difference. The partitions helped us add more usable space while giving everyone personal privacy. The guys who lived here before and after say it’s one of their favorite parts of the renovation, besides the newly added central HVAC.”

That focus on privacy, durability, and ease of maintenance made Scranton Products a natural fit for the project. “I’m not sure if I’ve used any other restroom partitions in the last 10 years, ” Muncaster added. “I do a lot of fraternity and sorority work, and also projects with the university, and Scranton Products is something we’re familiar with and continue to spec.”

Competitive Campus Living

In addition to restroom and shower upgrades, the renovation modernized key systems and living spaces across the house. Central HVAC was added for the first time, bedrooms and common areas were refreshed with new layouts and furnishings, and an enclosed stairwell replaced the outdated fire escape to meet current safety standards.

The renovation also addressed accessibility. A new first-floor restroom includes a roll-in shower and ADA-compliant fixtures, while previous updates to the entry patio ensured accessible access to the building. In the main living room, the chapter requested a more traditional “smoking room” aesthetic, which the design team delivered through dark finishes, decorative lighting, and a classically comfortable atmosphere.

The impact goes beyond day-to-day comfort. According to Jungmann, the renovation has improved recruitment and strengthened the chapter’s presence on campus. “We’re a lot more competitive now. Privacy, quality, and comfort matter when students are choosing where they want to live. It’s a whole different house now.”

To learn more about Scranton Products Aria Partitions, please visit www.scrantonproducts.com or call 800-445-5148.

About Scranton Products:

With more than 30 years of experience, Scranton Products is the industry leader in plastic bathroom partitions and lockers. Endless design options and an array of designer colors and textures provide confidence and elegant style in every project, creating a lasting impression. Proudly made in the USA and constructed from premium-grade solid plastic, our products’ unmatched durability withstands impact, corrosion, graffiti, and mildew. Backed by sustainable technologies and industry-leading warranties, with our partitions and lockers you are investing in peace of mind.

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