Originally constructed as an elementary school in 1924, Agate Hall became a part of the University of Oregon campus in the 1980s. Used mostly as faculty offices, the 40,000 sf historic building was not renovated until it became home to the University’s American English Institute. Central to AEI’s mission of teaching English to foreign students is community, and this renovation brought many scattered parts of the program together under one roof for the first time. The renovation includes 10 new language classrooms, a tutoring center, a library, and common spaces supported by administrative and faculty offices. The design team worked intensively with staff, faculty, and student stakeholders to develop an efficient program and space plan suited to the budget. The result is a vital and active building where international students can find a home away from home.