“I had not been on campus since graduating in 1993, before the original bridge and pathway opened,” Baumgartner said. “I visited the campus with my daughter, who was considering applying to Hamilton at the time, and I was amazed at how much had changed, yet it still felt so familiar.”
That visit wouldn’t be his last. A few years later, he returned to College Hill not just as an alumnus, but as a collaborator. Now a principal engineer at Thornton Tomasetti, Baumgartner partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) to design the bridge’s replacement.
“After working with VMA during the design competition and then being selected by the College, the best moment was realizing that I would help design a bridge and pathway that would be used every day by everyone on campus,” he said.
For Baumgartner, the project offered a rare full-circle moment: a chance to apply lessons first learned on the Hill to a structure that connects generations of students – including his daughter, Greer ’27.
“My senior project in the Physics Department, working with Professor [of Physics Emeritus Philip] Pearle determining the stresses and strains in a simple beam three different ways — theoretically, with a physical model, and a computer model — was a lesson in problem-solving and to always look at things from different perspectives,” he said. “That experience absolutely influenced how I approach projects like this one.”
About the New Pedestrian Bridge
The pedestrian bridge was originally constructed in the early 1990s and underwent a renovation in 2011. Over the years, it became one of the most traveled pathways on campus and a key connection point between academic and student life spaces.
“The decision to replace the pedestrian bridge followed several years of evaluating its condition and discussing the best ways to maintain this key connection across campus,” said Barry Rivet, director of planning and project management, in an interview with The Spectator.
After being closed for nearly five months, the bridge reopened in late October. The project, which began in June after Reunions, included the full replacement of the bridge as well as improvements to the adjacent pathway to enhance flow and accessibility, increase visibility, and improve safety during adverse weather.
The new bridge is two feet wider than the original and spans 196 feet across a drainage tributary near the KTSA pond. It includes several sustainable and functional upgrades, including a snow-melt system that eliminates the need for salting, and energy-efficient LED lighting made possible by the Class of 2025’s senior gift.
The project also created opportunities to enhance nearby areas. Improvements to the section of Martin’s Way south of the bridge included new pavers with a coarser surface and a reduced slope to improve safety. As with all major campus projects, accessibility was a top priority. Upgrades to Green Apple Way were made in advance to ensure an ADA-compliant detour route while the bridge was closed.
In addition to VMA (Architect) and Thornton Tomasetti (Structural Engineer), the College partnered with Stimson, Kohler Ronan (MEP Engineer), O’Donohoe Lighting (Lighting Consultant), and Daniel O’Connell’s Sons (Construction Manager) on the project.
Campus Construction Updates
Hamilton’s campus is always evolving, and preserving its beauty requires thoughtful planning and ongoing investment. Here are the latest updates on renovation and construction projects across College Hill.
Posted November 13, 2025
