Originally built in stages between 1928 and 1932, the University of Minnesota’s Pioneer Hall became an outdated facility that did not meet building codes, wasn’t handicap accessible, and was lacking in many comforts students wanted.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 1, 2019
Design unveiled for the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy building
LEO A DALY, in association with VJAA, designed the building.
University Buildings | Oct 28, 2019
Eight projects showcase the latest trends in student housing
Join us on a tour of select student residences at some of America’s top four-year colleges and universities.
University Buildings | Oct 10, 2019
Duke’s Hollows Quad residence halls provide housing for 700 upperclassmen
William Rawn Architects designed the project.
Libraries | Oct 2, 2019
Temple University’s Charles Library includes a ‘BookBot’ storage and retrieval system
The project was designed by Stantec and Snøhetta.
University Buildings | Sep 30, 2019
UMass Amherst’s Worcester Commons to be built on an existing parking lot
Shawmut, in partnership with Perry Dean Rogers and Connor Architecture, are designing the project.
University Buildings | Sep 23, 2019
Engineering Innovation Hub completes on SUNY New Paltz campus
Urbahn Architects designed the project.
University Buildings | Sep 17, 2019
St. Louis Community College Center for Nursing and Health Sciences opens to students
KAI designed the building.
University Buildings | Aug 20, 2019
Oglethorpe University officially opens the I.W. 'Ike' Cousins Center for Science and Innovation
Cooper Carry designed the building.
University Buildings | Aug 13, 2019
Columbus State Community College’s Mitchell Hall set to open for the coming semester
DesignGroup designed the project.
Giants 400 | Aug 13, 2019
2019 Science + Technology Giants Report: Operational flexibility is a must for S+T buildings
The science and technology (S+T) sector is arguably the industry’s most complex because it caters to a diverse clientele with specific priorities and imperatives, according to Building Design+Construction's 2019 Giants 300 Report.