University of Minnesota Amundson Hall Gore Annex: Structural Engineering for Campus Expansion

Project Overview

BKBM provided structural engineering services for a major expansion and infrastructure upgrade at Amundson Hall on the University of Minnesota East Bank Campus. The project comprised a new 41,000-square-foot, six-story addition—four stories above grade and two below—plus critical upgrades to the existing infrastructure.

Project Highlights

  • Tight Urban Site:
    • The new addition was located immediately north of existing Amundson Hall along Washington Avenue, requiring construction to extend 11 feet below the adjacent building.
    • Extensive underpinning of existing footings and a temporary soil retention system enabled deep excavation and safe construction near occupied facilities.
  • Structural System & Floor Design:
    • Two-way concrete flat plate floors supported by concrete columns minimized floor-to-floor heights to match the existing structure’s constraints.
    • Permanent cast-in-place concrete walls replaced temporary shoring to deliver lasting soil retention.
  • Signature Architectural Feature:
    • A three-story diagonal concrete brace supports the three-floor, 22-foot cantilever—a defining exterior and interior visual element.
    • The brace was constructed using post-tensioned steel rods and traditional mild reinforcing steel to minimize concrete cracking and manage deflection, with rods stressed in two stages for long-term performance.
  • Curtainwall & Facade Upgrades:
    • The dated curtainwall along Washington Avenue was replaced with a prominent new system to modernize the building’s appearance.
    • Carefully engineered new connections accommodated the original vertical mullions, which also served as structural building columns.
    • The result is an attractive, energy-efficient facade that rejuvenates the legacy campus building.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM’s technical approach addressed the project’s complex site, depth, and adjacency constraints, using innovative underpinning, soil retention, and structural solutions. State-of-the-art post-tensioned bracing and coordinated facade design delivered both functional and architectural excellence.

Results & Impact

The Amundson Hall Gore Annex Addition provides expanded, adaptable space for the University while substantially modernizing the campus presence along Washington Avenue. The project’s structural solutions and facade transformation enhance campus utility and identity—achievements recognized with top industry awards for engineering excellence.