From the Ground Up: Missouri State University Hammons House

Owner/developer: Missouri State University

General contractor: Bales Construction Co. Inc.

Architect: Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell Architects (Kansas City)

Engineers: Structural Engineering Associates (Kansas City)

Size: Remodel to exterior skin on nine-story building

Estimated cost: $3.6 million

Lender: None (financed through MSU's ResLife budget)

Estimated completion date: August 2010

Project description: This three-phase project will improve the weatherization of MSU's Hammons House residence hall in addition to increasing its energy efficiency. Terry Rowland, project manager for MSU, said the skin of the building had been leaking, and officials chose a solution called rain screening, which is common in Europe. It allows water behind the outer cover of the building and establishes waterproofing under that level. Rowland said that since the waterproofing material is covered, it is much more durable. Phase I, which will be completed before the fall semester, replaces all of the windows on the north side of the building and will resurface the outside of the residence hall.Springfield Business Journal brings you new projects each week. Send project info by fax to (417) 799-0603 or by e-mail to sbj@sbj.net.