Missouri State University-West Plains Autism Center

Dake Wells Architecture Inc.

Architect: Dake Wells Architecture Inc., project; and SWT Design Inc., landscape
Engineers: Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Inc., civil; RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, structural; and Interpres Building Solutions LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
General contractor: Robinson Industrial, Heavy & Commercial Contracting Inc. (Perryville)
Cost: $8.6 million
Estimated completion: Dec. 31
Description: A 10,000-square-foot Autism Center on the Missouri State University-West Plains campus is planned to serve neurodiverse students through the university’s Autism Support Can Empower New Directions program, project officials said. The design focus will be on the sensory environment, with intuitive spatial sequencing and purposeful sensory zoning considered through furniture, finishes, lighting, acoustics and color. It will contain nine ASCEND coordinator offices, a work room, teaching kitchen, student lounge areas, private sensory garden, three decompression rooms and learning spaces for two new associate degree programs that focus on autism support.