Summer 2008 Project Report: Architects: Dake Wells Architecture Inc.

Address: 128 Garfield, West Plains

General Contractor: Not yet selected

Estimated Cost: $4.8 million

Dake Wells is the architect for a new building that will serve Missouri State University’s West Plains campus. The engineers are Mettemeyer Engineering LLC, structural; Smith-Goth Engineers Inc., mechanical, electrical and plumbing; and Lee Engineering, civil. EMSI is the sustainability consultant for the project, and interior design is by Interior Planning Consultants. This building will house student advisement and academic support and the William and Virginia Darr Honors Program. Also included are two community rooms funded in part by donations from two local families. Dake Wells’ design uses large expanses of glass and elevated decks to connect the community to the downtown West Plains campus. Two floors will house the academic programs, and they will be tied together by a stairwell and donor wall reflecting community support. Local materials, including buff and grey stone, are included in the design. The estimated completion date is spring 2010.