MINNEAPOLIS – The Opus Group (Opus) announced today the completion of a 41,500-square-foot expansion and renovation at St. Catherine University’s Aimee and Patrick Butler Center for Sports and Fitness in St. Paul, Minnesota.
“The Butler Center is a testament to success achieved through strong collaboration in navigating complex projects – from design to delivery – while maintaining an eye on a client’s vision,” said Beth Duyvejonck, senior project manager, Opus Design Build, L.L.C. “St. Kate’s is a valued partner and we’re honored to have helped them pursue their vision for the Butler Center while building campus and community.”
The two-phased project created more formal recreation and wellness facilities for students, faculty and staff, while also improving the functionality and flow of a major campus hub.
"A strong collaborative working relationship between Opus and St. Kate's was the key to reaching our goal of improving and creating new spaces in this nine million dollar project, which benefits our entire campus community,” said Tom Rooney, vice president and chief financial officer, St. Catherine University.
During Phase I, Opus renovated approximately 10,000 square feet in Fontbonne Hall, transforming existing gymnasium space into additional classrooms and connecting the building with the adjacent Butler Center. Phase II created 31,500 square feet of new space within the Butler Center, featuring separate varsity locker rooms and lounge space, a cardio room with fitness equipment, a dance studio and a one-story, multi-purpose training center and field house. In addition, Opus redesigned the primary point of entry and added an elevator to enhance both accessibility and security.
Construction on Phase I began in May 2014 and was completed in August 2014, prior to the start of the fall semester. Phase II, which began construction in fall 2014, was completed in January 2015 – ahead of schedule – giving St. Kate’s students, faculty and athletic department access to the new facilities in time for the spring semester. Opus Design Build, L.L.C. was the design-builder and Opus AE Group, L.L.C. was the architect of record.
About The Opus Group
The Opus Group® is a family of commercial real estate development, construction and design companies headquartered in Minneapolis with offices and projects across the country. Opus operates as an integrated, multidisciplinary team with expertise in development, capital markets and finance; project management and construction; architecture, engineering and interior design. The Opus Group includes Opus Holding, L.L.C. and its operating subsidiaries: Opus Development Company, L.L.C., Opus Design Build, L.L.C. and Opus AE Group, L.L.C. Specializing in healthcare, residential, office, institutional, industrial and retail projects, The Opus Group has broad capabilities, deep experience and a proven design-build model that delivers solutions for customers on time and on budget. For more information, visit www.opus-group.com and follow @TheOpusGroup on Twitter.
About St. Catherine University
A dynamic university educating students to lead and influence, St. Catherine prepares students to make a difference in their professions, their communities and the world. At the University's heart is the nation’s largest, most innovative college for women. St. Kate's also offers a range of graduate and associate programs for women and men. Learn more at www.stkate.edu.