Kiehle Building Project Underway
After several years of planning, the Kiehle Building renovation and expansion project is underway. The project, funded by the Minnesota Legislature in its 2000 budget, includes renovating about 22,000 square feet and adding about 17,000 square feet. The project will expand the functions of Kiehle Auditorium, the Music and Theater Departments, and the Library. The design also includes a new UMC Alumni Center and a new consolidated Technology Center.
At
left: projected view from the east of the newly renovated and
expanded Kiehle Building.
Most of the expansion will take place between Kiehle Building and the UMC Library. The existing entry to Kiehle Building is to be demolished and a new entrance will be built with a design that is more fitting to the historical and functional significance of the building.
The project is situated in an area of great importance to the Crookston Campus. It involves the redesign of a significant portion of building space on the edge of the northwest corner of the Mall. It includes the renovation of one of the most significant historic structures on the campus, Kiehle Building, which was constructed in 1910. The Kiehle Building project will establish a strong anchor to the west side of the campus and will serve as a major entry point to the campus.
The primary elements included in the project are the renovation of Kiehle Auditorium and its stage; remodeling the south entry to Kiehle, including restrooms, lobby, access to the auditorium with an elevator, and an entry court; relocation of the Alumni Center to the first floor of Kiehle; expansion of music and theater support spaces at the north side of Kiehle Building; relocation of UMC University Relations and Media Services; construction of a Technology Center to co-locate technology and support functions into one central campus location; development of a student technology center area on the second floor of the Library; and providing air-conditioning throughout the entire construction project space.
In Kiehle Auditorium the project includes new upholstery on the seating, refinishing the stage floor, improved lighting, and a new curtain. The project will also address current code and accessibility standards. All of these improvements will be done while meeting preservation goals with the preservation and restoration of the two historic 1941 WPA murals flanking the stage.
The
new south entry to the Kiehle Building (pictured at left) will involve an
outdoor plaza canopied with mature trees, a simple man-made canopy.
The lobby is designed to welcome visitors with a dramatic 30-foot
floor-to-ceiling rotunda on the interior.
Plans call for this new entry space to be used for receptions and
other gatherings as well as for access to the auditorium.
Located just off the rotunda on the first floor, the Alumni Center will function as a campus meeting center and a focal point for alumni, their families, and visitors. Antiques, tables, chairs, lamps and artifacts will create an inviting ambience. Wood display cases in the hallways will display items that relate to the history of UMC and its predecessor, the Northwest School of Agriculture. An archive area will be located in the original library reading room, which also features a fireplace. The Alumni Center will allow maximum flexibility and opportunity for social functions.
A new centralized computer facility or “Technology Center” will be located entirely on the first floor of the expansion area between the Alumni Center and the current library area and will consolidate staff employed in the offices that make up the Center for Technology Support.
The second floor of the expansion area is designated for theater support and music functions. Library space will be expanded on the second floor and designed to serve as a multimedia student technology access area.
The exterior of the renovation and expansion will feature design elements that support and are consistent with the historical nature of Kiehle Building. When looking at the east façade, the support spaces to the south and north of Kiehle will provide framing “bookends” to the original building, adding to its visual importance.
The target completion date for the project is late summer of 2002. Architects for the project are Widseth, Smith, Nolting and Associates.See construction progress via the Kiehle Construction Web Cam!
Posted 06/11/2001
Contact: Andrew Svec,
218-281-8435