Valspar Lab Campus Building 4: Structural, Civil & Restoration Engineering for Lab Redevelopment

Project Overview

BKBM provided structural, civil, and restoration engineering services for the major remodel and adaptive reuse of Building #4 within the Valspar Applied Science and Technology (VAST) Center campus. The goal was to transform a vacant, historic structure into modern research and test laboratories to centralize Valspar, Inc.’s North American lab operations.

Project Highlights

  • Comprehensive Laboratory Facility Redevelopment:
    • Renovation and integration of two adjoining buildings, totaling 170,000 square feet, to create state-of-the-art research and test labs.
    • Five-story building (1903) retaining the original wood timber structural frame, wood decking, and load-bearing masonry exterior walls.
    • Three-story building (1912) featuring a concrete frame with concrete beams and one-way slabs.
  • Modernization and Laboratory Upgrades:
    • Structural supports for extensive roof top equipment and laboratory infrastructure.
    • Structural modifications for new elevator installation, new stair framing, and extension of an existing stair.
    • Replacement of existing recessed dock slab, addition of a new blast room, and installation of new lintels for mechanical penetrations through the fire separation wall.
  • Restoration and Preservation Work:
    • Removal and replacement of distressed face brick and steel lintels.
    • Tuckpointing, crack repair, and paint removal.
    • Restoration of historic cornice elements to preserve architectural character and masonry integrity.
  • Civil Engineering & Site Improvements:
    • Site regrading and the introduction of new utility services.
    • Restoration of public sidewalks and site pavement across the 2.6-acre site to improve accessibility and site function.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM coordinated complex structural upgrades, restoration of critical façade and masonry features, and advanced civil site design. The team introduced innovative supports for new laboratory systems, modernized building circulation, and seamlessly integrated restorative and adaptive work within the constraints of the historic structure.

Results & Impact

The VAST Center, Building #4, now provides Valspar, Inc. with a central, high-performance research and testing hub within a revitalized Minneapolis campus. BKBM’s structural, civil, and restoration engineering solutions enabled the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, delivering operational excellence and architectural preservation recognized with a major industry award.