Normandale Academic Partnership Center: Engineering for Modern Campus Expansion

Project Overview

BKBM provided comprehensive structural and civil engineering services for a new 82,000-square-foot, three-story classroom building at Normandale Community College, located on the northwest end of the campus in Bloomington, MN. The project’s objective was to deliver a high-performance educational facility with integrated site development and future-ready infrastructure.

Project Highlights

  • Modern Academic Facility:
    • Three-story structure composed of a steel bar joist and metal deck roof, precast plank floors, and perimeter exterior masonry bearing walls.
    • Foundation system featuring grade beams, pile caps, and driven steel piles for the building, and aggregate piers supporting the slab on grade to address varying subsurface conditions.
  • Collaborative Project Integration:
    • Structural system designed for connection to the concurrently designed Kopp Center Addition, requiring close coordination with a separate design team.
    • Engineered support and attachment details for integrated artwork along the south curtain wall and within the connecting link to the Kopp Center.
  • Comprehensive Site Redevelopment:
    • Civil design included redevelopment of three acres: new parking areas, fire access lane, and pedestrian walkways for improved safety and accessibility.
    • New campus water, sanitary, and storm sewer services introduced to support expansion.
    • Stormwater management provided for both the classroom building and a concurrent parking ramp project through a stormwater infiltration pond and underground storage tanks, complying with Minnesota B3 Sustainable Design guidelines.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM’s approach utilized resilient foundation design, robust superstructure systems, and sustainable site solutions. Special coordination ensured seamless integration with new additions and campus art initiatives. Advanced stormwater and utility systems were implemented to support environmental and operational requirements.

Results & Impact

The Normandale Community College Classroom Building delivers versatile, modern learning spaces while enhancing campus safety and sustainability. BKBM’s engineering efforts resulted in a future-ready facility that fosters collaboration, accessibility, and long-term value for the college community.