Project Overview
BKBM Engineers partnered with CSNA Architects to provide structural engineering services for St. John’s University’s new Wood Shop, Paint Shop & Organ Repair Facility in Collegeville, MN. This unique, specialized facility was designed to support advanced craft, teaching, and historic organ restoration while ensuring seamless integration with the broader campus infrastructure.
Project Highlights
- Integrated Craft & Repair Facility:
- Robust steel frame supports composite slab floors with isolated topping slabs to minimize vibration transmission between the wood shop, paint shop, and organ repair rooms.
- Long-span deep acoustical roof deck for outstanding sound control, supporting exacting needs for woodworking and organ craftsmanship.
- Partial basement connects directly to the campus tunnel system, maximizing accessibility and material flow.
- Workflow & Functionality:
- Engineered dedicated structural supports for a gantry crane installation, facilitating efficient, safe materials handling in upper-level workshops.
- Collaborative Design & Implementation:
- Close teamwork with CSNA Architects, university stakeholders, and specialty contractors fostered proactive problem-solving and design flexibility—delivering a resilient, user-centric structure.
Engineering Solutions
BKBM developed innovative structural designs to address vibration isolation, acoustics, and campus integration. Flexibility and adaptability for craftspeople, faculty, and students were prioritized, with workflow-optimized spaces and specialized structural supports.
Results & Impact
The Wood Shop, Paint Shop & Organ Repair Facility now equips St. John’s University with a cutting-edge environment for hands-on learning, historic preservation, and advanced craft. BKBM’s expertise ensures acoustically optimized, structurally resilient, and highly adaptable spaces—supporting a vibrant campus tradition and community well into the future.
1967
15,000+
23
Minneapolis & Denver