Originally built in stages between 1928 and 1932, the University of Minnesota’s Pioneer Hall became an outdated facility that did not meet building codes, wasn’t handicap accessible, and was lacking in many comforts students wanted.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
| Sep 15, 2014
Ranked: Top international AEC firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Parsons Brinckerhoff, Gensler, and Jacobs top BD+C's rankings of U.S.-based design and construction firms with the most revenue from international projects, as reported in the 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Sep 9, 2014
Using Facebook to transform workplace design
As part of our ongoing studies of how building design influences human behavior in today’s social media-driven world, HOK’s workplace strategists had an idea: Leverage the power of social media to collect data about how people feel about their workplaces and the type of spaces they need to succeed.
| Sep 7, 2014
Behind the scenes of integrated project delivery — successful tools and applications
The underlying variables and tools used to manage collaboration between teams is ultimately the driving for success with IPD, writes CBRE Healthcare's Megan Donham.
| Sep 3, 2014
New designation launched to streamline LEED review process
The LEED Proven Provider designation is designed to minimize the need for additional work during the project review process.
| Sep 2, 2014
Ranked: Top green building sector AEC firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
AECOM, Gensler, and Turner top BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest green design and construction firms.
| Aug 19, 2014
HOK to acquire 360 Architecture
Expected to be finalized by the end of October, the acquisition of 360 Architecture will provide immediate benefits to both firms’ clients worldwide as HOK re-enters the sports and entertainment market.
| Jul 30, 2014
Higher ed officials grapple with knotty problems, but construction moves ahead [2014 Giants 300 Report]
University stakeholders face complicated cap-ex stressors, from chronic to impending. Creative approaches to financing, design, and delivery are top-of-mind, according to BD+C's 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Jul 28, 2014
Reconstruction market benefits from improving economy, new technology [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Following years of fairly lackluster demand for commercial property remodeling, reconstruction revenue is improving, according to the 2014 Giants 300 report.
| Jul 28, 2014
Reconstruction Sector Construction Firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Structure Tone, Turner, and Gilbane top Building Design+Construction's 2014 ranking of the largest reconstruction contractor and construction management firms in the U.S.
| Jul 28, 2014
Reconstruction Sector Engineering Firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Jacobs, URS, and Wiss, Janney, Elstner top Building Design+Construction's 2014 ranking of the largest reconstruction engineering and engineering/architecture firms in the U.S.
