JE Dunn Construction has long been recognized for its commitment to preserving the historical integrity of buildings while infusing them with modern functionality. This dedication is evident in its remarkable work with the University of Minnesota, where JE Dunn took on two significant projects: the renovation of the John T. Tate Hall Science and Teaching Lab and the construction of the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC). These projects not only reflect JE Dunn’s expertise in blending the old with the new but also its ability to create spaces that foster academic excellence and innovation.
John T. Tate Hall Science and Teaching Lab Renovation
Originally constructed in 1926, John T. Tate Hall is a historic landmark on the University of Minnesota’s campus. Designed as part of the Northrop Mall ensemble, this building has been a defining feature of the university’s architecture. However, as the demands of modern science education evolved, so too did the need for a facility that could accommodate new teaching programs while honoring the building’s historical significance.
JE Dunn was tasked with this complex challenge—reconciling the aspirations for advanced science education with the preservation of an iconic campus structure. The renovation and new addition to Tate Hall did more than just update the building; it transformed it into an active hub for scientific interaction. The project focused on creating flexible spaces that encourage collaboration between faculty and students, an essential element for science innovation.
The renovated Tate Hall now houses 29 teaching labs and 26 research labs, state-of-the-art classrooms, and offices. It also features a rooftop space designed for stargazing, a nod to the building’s connection to the School of Physics and Astronomy. Before this renovation, faculty, post doctorates, graduate students, and visiting researchers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Earth Sciences were scattered across the campus. Now, more than 350 of these scholars are consolidated into a single, cohesive space, enhancing collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
University of Minnesota Health Sciences Education Center
While the Tate Hall project emphasized the preservation and modernization of a historic building, JE Dunn’s work on the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) represented a forward-thinking approach to healthcare education. Completed in December 2021, HSEC is a state-of-the-art facility designed to revolutionize how healthcare professionals are trained.
The HSEC moves away from traditional lecture halls, focusing instead on active, team-based learning environments that mirror the collaborative nature of modern healthcare. This new center serves as a hub for all of the university’s health professional schools, offering over 200,000 square feet of modern classrooms, study spaces, and training environments.
Among the HSEC’s highlights are enhanced simulation areas and immersive training environments that prepare students for real-world healthcare scenarios. Additionally, the Center for Health Interprofessional Programs allows for interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are well-equipped to work in diverse, team-oriented settings. The inclusion of a rare books library, featuring 73,000 print items, and a 50,000-gallon storage tank for stormwater reuse in cooling systems, further demonstrates JE Dunn’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and preserving educational resources.
JE Dunn Construction’s work with the University of Minnesota exemplifies its ability to balance the preservation of historic structures with the creation of cutting-edge educational environments. Through the renovation of John T. Tate Hall and the construction of the Health Sciences Education Center, JE Dunn has played a crucial role in enhancing the university’s capacity to educate future leaders in science and healthcare. This work not only honors the past but also lays the foundation for innovation and excellence in the years to come.