University of Minnesota Urban Research Outreach and Engagement Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
 

Charles Levin Architects (CLA) partnered with Urban Design Perspectives (UDP), led by Alicia Belton, AIA to complete the University Research and Outreach Engagement Center (UROC) for the University of Minnesota. The project was a 21,000 square foot remodeling of a 1970’s strip shopping center in Minneapolis, MN into an academic building containing office, conference, and training facilities.

CLA and UDP worked with a diverse staff group to define the building program and what departments would have a presence within the space. Once the program was developed UDP and CLA facilitated staff and neighborhood group meetings to discuss overall design objectives and building amenities with collaboration being a key theme in both development of the process and the physical space. Design is based on collaborative flexible/shared workspaces since many of the programs and personnel change on daily/weekly basis.

Construction was completed in September 2009. Work included completely gutting the interior and all systems, significantly increasing daylighting, reconstructing the interior in a new configuration, and installing new energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems. 

Co-Architect:

Charles Levin Architects

Co-Architect:

Urban Design Perspectives

Civil Engineer:

Rani Engineering

Structural Engineer:

BCG Engineers

Mechanical Engineer:

Martin Pevsner Engineers

Electrical Engineer:

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering

Landscape Architect:

Close Landscape Architecture

Public Art:

Seitu Jones

Contractor:

Stahl Construction

Photography:

Matt Schmitt Photography