University of Minnesota, Pioneer Hall Expansion and Renovation
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Design Team
Brian Morse (Project Manager); Paul Wuennenberg (Design Architect); Sara Koester (Programmer); DJ Heinle (Principal-in-Charge); Benjamin Olson (Assistant Project Manager); Greg Cooper (Project Architect); Brian Kelley (Engineering Manager); Rhonda Pierce (Civil Engineer); Steve Fluger (Mechanical Designer); Jeff Kannel (Structural Engineer); Todd Volkmeier (Electrical Engineer); Elizabeth Tomlinson (Mechanical Engineer)
After eight decades, the University of Minnesota’s historic student residence, Pioneer Hall, no longer met student needs and basic code requirements: It had no elevator, substandard bathrooms, narrow corridors, few social spaces, and outdated kitchen and dining. An extensive renovation and expansion improved inclusiveness and accessibility, provided housing and dining for more students, created community-building social spaces, and replaced all building systems to maximize energy efficiency. To maintain its historic presence, the street-facing facades were preserved and restored, and interior details salvaged and reused.
The structure’s entire central portion was replaced, and the four remaining wings were widened into the courtyard spaces, increasing the hall’s total area from 177,000 square feet to 257,000 square feet. The new dining facility filled the former south courtyard; its vegetated roof creates a pleasant garden view from the surrounding rooms above.
Renewed and expanded, Pioneer Hall once again embodies the university’s original goal to maximize the academic, social, and developmental impact of the first-year student’s housing experience. This extensive renovation has re-established Pioneer Hall as a campus community anchor for generations to come.
Additional Information
Associated Firm
KWK Architects, Pierce Pini + Associates, Rippe Associates, Studio Hive/DLR, Lighting Matters, Hess Roise and Company, Elert & Associates/trueNORTH Consulting Group, Kvernstoen Ronnholm and Associates, McGough Construction
Capacity
756
Cost per Sq Ft
$329.00
Featured in
2020 Architectural Portfolio
Category
Renovation
Interior category
Residence Halls/Lounges
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