Phased Preservation & Adaptation

Location: Moorhead, MN
Contact: Brenda Norris

By incorporating sustainable building materials, enhanced energy-efficient natural and artificial lighting, and attractive finishes, Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) has transformed the interior of Lommen Hall into a unique new venue for service and education while maintaining the timelessness of the building’s original design. The redesign of the building also incorporated exterior enhancements including window replacement, roof replacement, foundation waterproofing, masonry restoration, and a new handicapped accessible south entrance that enhances, rather than competes with, the charm of the building.

The 83,000 square foot building comprises 76 offices, 15 classrooms, 2 computer labs, several seminar and conference rooms, a daycare facility, and numerous other student oriented areas. The project cost just under $15.2 million and was a two phase renovation to allow partial occupancy for classes and use of the MSUM Early Education facilities.

Phase One of the project included the 1954 addition at the west end of the building and holds MSUM’s Early Education department, classrooms, computer lab, the student Writing Center and a large student commons area. Construction of this phase began in April of 2009 and was completed in January of 2010.

Construction on Phase Two included the original 1931 building, began upon the conclusion of Phase One and continued until its completion in January of 2011. This phase included the largest area of remodeling, and is comprised of 76 individual offices which constitute MSUM’s Education, Social Work and Counseling, and Sociology/Criminal Justice departments, classrooms, seminar rooms, and another computer lab.

The design team consisted of: Foss Architecture and Interiors; Heyer Engineering, structural engineer; Obermiller Nelson Engineering, mechanical engineer; and Ulteig Engineering, electrical engineer. CPMI was the Owner’s Representative for the project and also produced the original Predesign Report required for State bond funding. CPMI worked closely with the design team and the general contractor, Roers’ Construction, to achieve a very successful project.