The Opus Group has completed a 41,500-square-foot expansion and renovation at St. Catherine University’s Aimee and Patrick Butler Center for Sports and Fitness in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The two-phased project created more formal recreation and wellness facilities for students, faculty and staff, while also improving the functionality and flow of a major campus hub.
During Phase I, Opus renovated about 10,000 square feet in Fontbonne Hall, transforming existing gymnasium space into additional classrooms and connecting the building with the adjacent Butler Center. Phase II created 31,500 square feet of new space within the Butler Center, featuring separate varsity locker rooms and lounge space, a cardio room with fitness equipment, a dance studio and a one-story, multi-purpose training center and field house. In addition, Opus redesigned the primary point of entry and added an elevator to enhance both accessibility and security.
Construction on Phase I began in May of 2014 and was completed in August of 2014, before the start of the fall semester. Phase II, which began construction in fall of 2014, was completed in January of 2015 – ahead of schedule – giving St. Kate’s students, faculty and athletic department officials access to the new facilities in time for the spring semester.
Opus Design Build, L.L.C. was the design-builder and Opus AE Group, L.L.C. was the architect of record.
