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Cherry Hall at the University of Missouri-Kansas City

Adaptive Reuse Renovation

challenge

For a number of years, Cherry Hall's fourth floor went unused. In 2015, IAA was commissioned to renovate that level, converting it from a residence hall into an open and flexible space made up of offices, lounges, seminar and meeting areas, and support spaces accommodating three separate departments: Criminal Justice & Criminology, the Honors College and Philosophy.

design solution

Our designers worked with each department to develop a program and plan serving all, and featuring modern and functional aesthetics, spaces and building systems. Key areas were reconfigured by selectively demolishing existing, non-structural CMU walls in order to increase functionality, open up stunning views to the neighboring Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and introduce ample natural light into spaces. Sophisticated and attractive finishes are supplemented by timeless yet understated elements in order to provide a pleasing aesthetic experience with pops of visual interest, all while staying within budget. Renovated areas are versatile and flexible as they aim to promote healthy work habits, as well as to facilitate dialogue, collaboration and professional development.