Minneapolis-based Opus Design Build will renovate two residence halls on the Decorah, Iowa, campnus of Luther College. This is a two-phase renovation project in which residential towers Miller Hall and Dieseth Hall will receive upgrades.
Design preparations for the $7.5-million project are underway. The Miller Hall renovation is scheduled to start in May of 2011 and conclude in late August. Dieseth Hall is scheduled to undergo renovations next summer and be completed for the start of the fall 2012 academic year.
“We have a long-standing relationship with Luther College and are pleased to be their partner for these renovations, which will ultimately enhance the student experience,” said Jeff Smith, director of project management with Opus Design Build.
The eight-story residence halls were built in the 1960s, and each houses 368 beds. Both towers will receive mechanical upgrades to meet today’s standards for heating and air conditioning. Student rooms will receive new furniture and finishing details, and four-person suites will be added to each floor.
Additionally, Opus will build new shower rooms on each floor with modern amenities including water-saving fixtures to better accommodate the number of residents. To improve the convenience for students in the buildings, kitchenettes and laundry rooms will be provided on every floor. Common areas including study rooms and social lounges will also be renovated with new finishes and design features. With an emphasis on music at Luther, sound-proof music practice rooms will also be added in each tower. Elevator lobbies and corridors of both buildings will receive new finishes showcasing new design elements including light fixtures, benches and other accent elements.
Opus Design-Build is serving as the design-builder on the project. Performa Higher Education, a Green Bay design firm, completed the schematic design for the renovation while Opus AE Group, Inc. will complete the working drawings and is the architect of record.
