Built in 1930, the Sterling Law School was designed by James Gamble Rogers in the collegiate Gothic style utilizing such rich materials as granite, limestone, stained glass and carved oak woodwork. The original 250,000 sf structure, occupying an entire city block, had no available land for development. Early studies to add tower elements or rooftop additions, or build beneath streets or within existing courtyards were deemed too invasive to the original structure. The completed project accommodates the program with only modest increases to the building envelope. Excavation of the existing basement and sub-basement, and utilization of attic and interstitial spaces for mechanical rooms provided the necessary areas for program expansion. The renovation provides new heating, air conditioning and fire prevention systems, as well as upgraded electrical and telecommunications services.

In the first phase of construction, the Wall Street wing of the quadrangle was converted from dormitory use to house administrative offices such as admissions, career development and alumni affairs, as well as various student organizations. A new entrance to the wing was constructed to allow direct access to these offices and to the largest occupant of the wing, the Legal Services Clinic, which provides legal assistance to the New Haven community. This entrance bay was clad with granite and carved limestone to match the fabric of the building. Spaces for student organizations and workrooms were provided in a renovated basement level. Formerly filled with steel pipes and used only for storage, this space was made usable by creating large new window openings into the perimeter moat and by careful coordination of new building services. This wing was dedicated in the fall of 1995 and named Ruttenberg Hall, in honor of an alumni Donor.

The second phase of work focused on renovating and expanding existing faculty offices on the Grove Street side of the building. As in the first phase, a new elevator core was added to make the structure fully accessible and to facilitate the connection between the various wings of the building. Renovation of dormitory rooms that are to be retained is being undertaken by a local firm.