Originally built in stages between 1928 and 1932, the University of Minnesota’s Pioneer Hall became an outdated facility that did not meet building codes, wasn’t handicap accessible, and was lacking in many comforts students wanted.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 | Nov 23, 2021
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s new residence hall begins construction
KWK Architects designed the project.
University Buildings | Nov 18, 2021
Pratt Institute Residence Hall completes, opens
Hanrahan Meyers Architects, in collaboration with Cannon Design, designed the project.
Designers / Specifiers / Landscape Architects | Nov 16, 2021
‘Desire paths’ and college campus design
If a campus is not as efficient as it could be, end users will use their feet to let designers know about it.
University Buildings | Nov 15, 2021
Red River College Polytechnic’s new Manitou a bi Bit daziigae opens
Diamond Schmitt and Number TEN Architectural Group designed the project.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Oct 26, 2021
14 projects recognized by DOE for high-performance building envelope design
The inaugural class of DOE’s Better Buildings Building Envelope Campaign includes a medical office building that uses hybrid vacuum-insulated glass and a net-zero concrete-and-timber community center.
University Buildings | Sep 28, 2021
Designing for health sciences education: Specialty instruction and human anatomy labs
It is a careful balance within any educational facility to provide both multidisciplinary, multiuse spaces and special-use spaces that serve particular functions.
University Buildings | Sep 23, 2021
University of Washington’s new mass timber building tops out
LMN Architects designed the project.
University Buildings | Sep 7, 2021
Gateway to the West: Kansas City University Center for Medical Education Innovation
Kansas City University Center for Medical Education Innovation uses GKD Omega 1520 metal fabric.
Laboratories | Aug 31, 2021
Pandemic puts science and technology facilities at center stage
Expanding demand for labs and life science space is spurring new construction and improvements in existing buildings.
Giants 400 | Aug 30, 2021
2021 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S.
The 2021 Giants 400 Report includes more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.