TowerPinkster is thrilled to celebrate the Dunbar Hall Renovation at Western Michigan University (WMU) as the recipient of the Innovative Project Award by the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan (USGBC-WM). This honor recognizes projects that push the boundaries of traditional building design, construction, and operations while exemplifying sustainability and innovation.

Originally built in 1971, Dunbar Hall houses more than a dozen academic programs with more than 17,000 students passing through its doors each year. Recognizing that its original design no longer met the needs of today’s students or the university’s sustainability goals, Western Michigan University partnered with TowerPinkster and HGA to spearhead a holistic renovation of the building.

Driven by the design’s guiding principles, the project team sought to create a place that minimizes its environmental impact. By stripping the building to its core, Dunbar Hall was rebuilt and upgraded to emphasize sustainability. This began by analyzing the existing building envelope to improve its energy performance. New mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems were installed, including an advanced chilled beam system for energy-efficient heating and cooling. The renovation also introduced innovative elements such as open stairwells to maximize natural light, green roofs, and bird-safe glass to protect natural wildlife

Dunbar Hall now houses cutting-edge facilities for broadcasting, podcasting, and journalism as well as an 11,000-square-foot glass addition with a top-floor state-of-the-art dance studio offering panoramic campus views. Its transformation into a sustainable, innovative learning environment is a model of how historic buildings can be revitalized for modern-day use.

The U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan (USGBC-WM) is a regional chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, dedicated to promoting sustainable and energy-efficient practices in the built environment within West Michigan. Its mission is to create healthier, more environmentally responsible communities by advancing green building principles and practices.

Read more here: https://www.usgbcwm.org/blog/western-michigan-university-announced-as-innovative-project-1st-place-winner/