University of Minnesota

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ERA provided structural engineering services for the renovation and expansion of Fraser Hall at the University of Minnesota.

The project involved preserving the original 1928 “Headhouse” with its concrete pan and joist construction while demolishing the 1954 additions to make way for a new west wing. ERA faced unique site challenges, as the building sits over an old railway valley that had caused groundwater issues and soil erosion beneath the existing structure. Working with geotechnical experts, ERA designed a drilled pier foundation system for the addition to minimize differential settlement and mitigate groundwater concerns. The historic portion was carefully adapted to house lecture halls and chemistry labs while preserving architectural elements like the two-story law library with its tall windows. The new addition features cast-in-place wide module pan and joist framing, selected for its superior vibration performance and flexibility for mechanical/electrical systems. Distinctive hexagonal concrete columns on the east and west facades reference chemistry’s molecular structures. This complex project successfully balanced historic preservation with modern laboratory requirements, addressing challenging site conditions while creating a state-of-the-art teaching facility with 15 specialized chemistry labs, collaboration spaces, and views of the Mississippi River.

Location	Minneapolis, MN
Market	Education
Year Completed	2025
Sq. Ft.	30,370 Renovation 91,350 New Construction
Team Collaboration	Owner/Developer: University of Minnesota Architect: BWBR Architects & VJAA Inc. General Contractor: Horwitz, Inc. Structural Engineer: ERA Structural Engineering
Sustainability	B3
Structural Systems	Cast-in-Place Concrete Steel Framed Drilled Pier Foundation

University of Minnesota Fraser Hall

Contact

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Market

Education

Year Completed

2025

Sq. Ft.

Team Collaboration

Sustainability

B3

Structural Systems