Originally built in stages between 1928 and 1932, the University of Minnesota’s Pioneer Hall became an outdated facility that did not meet building codes, wasn’t handicap accessible, and was lacking in many comforts students wanted.
The facility had narrow corridors, no air conditioning, limited study space, and an underground dining area. After debating for years whether to renovate the building or completely knock it down and build a new one, the university decided on a $104.5 million renovation/addition project spearheaded by KWK Architects partnered with architecture/engineering firm-of-record TKDA.
The project retains the character-defining features of the original building while expanding the building footprint to improve housing and dining programs. The new housing component increases the number of beds to 756 and incorporate study and community spaces to enhance the experience of first-year students.
See Also: AIA and the University of Minnesota partner to develop Guides for Equitable Practice
The new dining space will be moved from its underground location and brought up to grade level. Seating capacity, meal, serving, and seating options will all be expanded. The new facility will be able to accommodate 850 students at any time.
The renovation also rectifies one of the biggest shortcomings of the original building by providing for full ADA accessibility. New meditation rooms and lounges will also be created.
Once completed, Pioneer Hall will comprise 257,000 sf, which includes 85,600 sf of renovated space and 171,400 sf of new construction. The renovated Pioneer Hall is slated to be open in time for fall semester 2019.
Related Stories
University Buildings | Sep 15, 2017
New Blinn College Residence Hall hopes to decrease the size of the campus housing wait list
In 2016, more than 400 students were placed on the wait list due to lack of available on-campus housing.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 11, 2017
Mid-size, multi-use arenas setting a trend for the future
While large 20,000-seat sports venues aren’t going away, mid-size venues provide advantages the big arenas do not in a time of budget constraints and the need for flexibility.
Giants 400 | Sep 7, 2017
Top 95 university construction firms
Turner Construction Co., The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., and Barton Malow top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest university sector contractor and construction management firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Sep 7, 2017
Mashup in the halls of ivy: Campus expansions put the emphasis on elevating the student experience
Today’s multi-functional buildings support a diverse range of academic programs, with transparent walls to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
University Buildings | Sep 5, 2017
Rohrer College of Business supports the schools academic programs with several key spaces
Designed by KSS Architects and Goody Clancy, the new facility opened prior to the fall 2017 school year.
University Buildings | Sep 1, 2017
The University of Texas receives boutique-style student housing complex
The Ruckus Lofts provide 46 furnished units and 165 beds for UT students.
Libraries | Aug 30, 2017
1850s library building is brought into the 21st century
The original building was updated and given a new extension and landscaping.
University Buildings | Aug 28, 2017
Just what the doctor ordered: St. Louis College of Pharmacy receives new student center
The $50 million building adds over 193,000 sf of space to the campus.
University Buildings | Aug 25, 2017
‘Chapel of food’ becomes one of Clemson’s go-to spaces on campus
The new dining hall is part of the school’s ongoing efforts to maintain its standing among the country’s top 20 public universities.
K-12 Schools | Aug 18, 2017
How to create healthy learning environments with active design
Active design can be incorporated into any facility or campus with a few simple steps.
