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RENOVATION REVOLUTION

Higher education is at a crossroads — the intersection of preserving a rich structural history and adapting to the ever-evolving technological revolution in the 21st century. Renovation creates a clear path from your past to your future. 

​At BLDD, we help colleges and universities navigate this journey by transforming both historic and underutilized spaces.  ​

Our goal is to restore life, vigor and activity to your campus by reimagining environments to create truly transformative architecture.

Re•INVENT

Transform an underutilized area of your campus into a thriving destination that re-energizes the student-learning experience.

​In 2018, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) transformed their outdated Biology Library into a new learning center for the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) at Burrill Hall, featuring the spaces and tools that equip students to be successful in this highly technical field, in college and beyond.

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Like so many colleges, UIUC had plenty of square footage available that was underutilized, which opened the door to create a reinvented space for the MCB, combining instructional spaces and MCB advising to create efficiencies for students and staff. 
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How do you Re•INVENT your college spaces?

Who knows your campus better than YOU? That’s why we enlist the help of your faculty, students and administrators to Think BIG and co-author the best renovation solutions for your facilities. ​
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​Through BLDD’s design-thinking process, Think BIG, you’ll uncover the ideal use for your space through authentic user feedback and prototyping. Richland Community College reinvented a dark, underutilized hallway into the Carroll Center for Innovative Learning, a revitalized 21st-century environment that engages students through formal and informal learning spaces. ​
Learn to think big

Re•STORE & Re•NEW

Preserve the iconic qualities of your facility, while reimagining its use for the evolving needs of your students.

​
​In 2012, the exterior of the monumental Old Main building on Augustana College’s Rock Island campus was restored, while the interior was reinvented to a 21st-century learning environment. ​The roofing, windows and masonry were refurbished to restore the building’s original character.
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Renovation Value

Renovating can offer several sustainable, efficient and cost-saving solutions for higher-ed campuses, including: 
  • Time Savings — typically faster than new construction
  • Material Savings — requires fewer “new” materials, and thus creates less landfill waste
  • Societal Savings — reduces displacement in urban communities
  • Cost Savings — many federal, state and local municipalities offer tax incentives and/or grants for renovating historic buildings

Historically, our clients have saved 20-25% by investing in major renovations compared to building new.

The costs of renovations can vary greatly based on a number of factors, such as: 
  • Building Type — Will the building be used as a residence hall, classroom building, or dining hall?
  • Location — Is the facility located in a metropolitan or rural location?
  • Project Scope — Is the project small or large? The efficiency phenomenon known as “economy-of-scale” can work in your favor as the project increases in size.
  • Quality — Does the project require a high level of detail or the use of premium building materials?
  • Existing Conditions — Is the facility of significant age or has not been maintained well?
  • Hazardous Materials —  Are there asbestos containing materials and lead paint present?

Join the Renovation Revolution
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BECAUSE LIFE DESERVES DESIGN

CENTRAL ILLINOIS​
CHICAGO
BLOOMINGTON, IL @ Co:Create
CHAMPAIGN, IL @ Sharespace
DUBUQUE, IA @ Idea Campus
FT. WORTH, TX @ Common Desk
PEORIA, IL @ The Nest
SPRINGFIELD, IL @ Innovate Springfield
ST. LOUIS, MO @ Cortex Innovation Community


© 2022 BLDD Architects Inc. 
​e:  hello@bldd.com
t:  844-784-4440
  • INNOVATE
  • WORK
    • PreK-12
    • Higher Education
    • Senior Living
    • Religious
    • Branded Environments
    • Healthcare
    • Fitness & Recreation
    • Commercial
    • Community
    • What's Brewing
  • CONNECT
  • Learn
  • PROJECT BID DOCUMENTS