Hill-Murray Student Union: Engineering a Welcoming Campus Landmark

Project Overview

BKBM provided structural engineering services for the Hill-Murray Student Union (Cafeteria Addition) in Maplewood, Minnesota. The addition serves as a signature campus entry and central gathering space, featuring a high-sloped roof and expansive curtain wall that create an open, light-filled interior. Designed as a modern hub for student life, the project required innovative long-span framing and foundation solutions to integrate seamlessly with the existing building.

Project Highlights

  • Open, Flexible Gathering Space:
    • Column-free interior framing supports large student gatherings and flexible daily use.
    • Expansive curtain wall maximizes daylight and creates a welcoming campus entrance.
    • High-sloped roof establishes a strong architectural identity and enhances interior volume.
  • Complex Structural Integration:
    • Long-span beam system engineered to support the high roof geometry without interior columns.
    • Addition carefully integrated with the existing structure to maintain functionality during construction.
  • Foundation Solutions for Existing Conditions:
    • Existing foundations lacked capacity for new loads, requiring targeted reinforcement.
    • Combination of micropiles, underpinned pad footings, and grade beams provided necessary support while minimizing disruption to the occupied facility.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM developed efficient steel and foundation systems tailored to the project’s architectural vision and site constraints. Innovative long-span framing enabled the open interior concept, while adaptive foundation strategies addressed limited existing capacity. During construction, BKBM collaborated closely with the contractor to resolve unforeseen substructure conditions through safe, constructible field solutions.

Results & Impact

The Hill-Murray Student Union addition delivers a durable, visually striking space that enhances campus life and serves as a welcoming landmark for students, staff, and visitors. Completed on time and within budget, the project reflects BKBM’s commitment to responsive collaboration, structural ingenuity, and long-term performance—supporting Hill-Murray’s investment in its community and future generations.