Minnesota State University, Mankato - McElroy Residence Hall Community

Mankato, MN | Education

Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU) sought a project partner for a complex renovation of two outdated,1950s era residence halls. Requiring innovative solutions, the renovation needed an integrated approach that combined multiple disciplines to address the unique design challenges.

Resident halls are a catalyst to the college experience, providing students a haven to study, socialize, relax, and rest. MSU desired to create a modern, safe, and welcoming ambiance in its McElroy Residence Hall Community for residents.

Given the unique design of the 1950s era building, ISG was strategic in its design assessment and conceptual recommendations for MSU’s McElroy Residence Hall Community. The $4 million renovation included replacement of all existing aging baseboard radiation units and hydronic feed piping. A new fire sprinkler main to the building allowed for the new areas of the facility to be connected into the system. For additional comfort to residents, connectors were added to each space for in-room air conditioning units.

Additional solutions were used to address design challenges that were both cost effective and well received, including upgraded finishes to lounges and kitchen areas. Visible light was let into the corridors by allowing the natural light through the exterior windows of the lounge through new interior corridor glass. The lounge area exterior windows and structure were replaced with new curtain wall systems and reinforced steel, and the interior corridors that were long and dull were redesigned to break up the length of the corridor. The ceilings were custom framed down at different elevations, resulting in a random ceiling design that had an overall pattern. The unique ceiling design, along with the application of other features, was then duplicated in three additional residence hall projects on campus.