Ball State University, located in Muncie, Indiana, is embarking on a comprehensive renovation of its campus buildings. This project focuses on internal transformations to enhance functionality and modernization of the educational environment.
This project has a strong focus on programmatic needs for the university to allow for future program expansion in the performing arts. Plus, a complete renovation of the HVAC and controls in the affected buildings to facilitate the programmatic changes and improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
172,000 SF
Total Space for Renovation
$45 Million
Construction Cost
$52 Million
Total Project Cost
4
Buildings covered
Buildings included in the renovation
The Ball State University Campus Building Renovation, covering a renovation area of 172,000 SF and with a budget of $45 Million, is indicative of the university’s commitment to revitalizing and modernizing its educational facilities. This extensive project focuses on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing, and accessible interior spaces, ensuring a contemporary and inclusive educational environment.
Arts & Communications Building (AC): Complete MEPT&FP renovation. Two buildings set for interior renovations.
Hargraves Music Building (MU): Each of the two structures undergoing specific interior updates. One is a complete MEPT&FP renovation. Other is primarily minor interior renovations.
University Theatre (TH): A central project piece, slated for conversion into new dance and theatre classrooms. Complete Architectural and MEPT&FP renovation. New highlight flytower studio space. Infilling of sloped theatre seating section to accommodate new theatre.
Emens Auditorium: Important for operational continuity; not being renovated but vital for the project’s success.
Participating firms
RATIO Design
Architectural and Design
R.E. Dimond & Associates
MEP Engineering Services
Kirkegaard
Acoustics
FRP
Structural
F.A Wilhelm
Construction Management
Next Stage
Theater Design
Cripe
Civil Engineer
Three primary goals
The renovation aims to significantly enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and accessibility of interior spaces. Key areas of focus include:
Usability: Transforming the existing theater into dance and theater classroom spaces, including a new dance classroom within the old stage’s fly space.
Aesthetics: The project is committed to enhancing the interior visual appeal, with no exterior modifications planned.
Accessibility: Revamping ramps in selected buildings for ADA accessibility, upgrading restrooms to ADA standards, and improving pathfinding between buildings through new internal corridors.
MEPT excellence across Ball State University’s building renovation project
Mechanical
Comprehensive upgrade of mechanical systems in targeted buildings, including the transformation of the University Theatre into new academic spaces.
Electrical
Modernizing electrical infrastructure to support new functionalities, including upgrading lighting systems and enhancing power efficiency.
Plumbing
Overhauling plumbing systems to meet contemporary standards, with a focus on ADA-compliant facilities.
Fire Protection
Upgrading fire protection systems to ensure safety and compliance with current regulations and best practices.
Plus, new plug load control integrations
A key feature of this renovation is the implementation of Plug Load Control throughout the renovated spaces. This system will enable automatic control of electrical outlets and devices, significantly improving energy efficiency by ensuring that non-essential equipment is powered down when not in use.
This technology aligns with the university’s commitment to creating a modern, sustainable learning environment. The integration of Plug Load Control will reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and contribute to the university’s broader sustainability goals.
More about plug load control
