University of Minnesota, Morris Welcome Center

600, East 4th Street, Morris, MN, United States

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University of Minnesota, Morris Welcome Center

600, East 4th Street, Morris, MN, United States

Firm

Type

Educational › University

YEAR

2010

SIZE

10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft

BUDGET

$5M - 10M

Located on Minnesota’s vast western prairie, the University of Minnesota, Morris, has set the ambitious goal of becoming energy independent—through sustainable development and the addition of its own wind power generator and biomass energy plant—by the end of 2010. This renovation of a two-story, 18,500 square-foot 1915 historic building serves two purposes: to act as a gateway for all visitors (including prospective students, parents, and alumni) and be a centerpiece for the campus’ commitment to sustainable design. Anticipating LEED Gold certification, the building incorporates the first application of chilled beams in the state and is one of the first historic buildings in the world to use this technology. 37.5% more energy efficient than code requires, the building is helping the campus to achieve energy independence.