Bakken Museum

THE PROJECT

Project Highlights

Revisiting project after more than two decades
Cast-in-place concrete system
Strong temporary support system
3,200-square-foot raised walkway

The Bakken Museum is a nationally recognized STEM education center and science museum inspiring a passion for innovation in science, technology, and humanities. MBJ provided structural engineering services for two expansion projects. The first expansion in 1998 doubled the size of the museum, and included classrooms, exhibit spaces, and a climate-controlled artifact vault. In 2020, the museum further expanded with a new entrance, an elevated outdoor walkway, along with interior renovations to the lobby, classrooms, makerspace, and exhibit spaces.

OUR IMPACT

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

maintained during excavation

GREEN

roof

EDUCATIONAL

and inspiring space

Service Provided

Structural engineering

OUR SOLUTIONS

Phase 1 doubled the size of the museum with a 12,000-square-foot underground addition topped by a green roof that aligns with the first floor. One of the project’s biggest challenges was designing a strong temporary support system to maintain the structural integrity of the east vestibule during excavation, which involved underpinning of the foundation wall in several places. MBJ utilized a cast-in-place concrete system to accommodate the heavy loads associated with green roofs, while maintaining a relatively shallow depth. Front and back visitor entrances were relocated to the new addition, improving handicap-accessibility. An elevator and two climate-controlled vaults were also installed in the new addition.

Phase 2 expanded the museum further and included a new steel-framed east entrance, new roof top units at the entry addition, a 3,200-square-foot raised walkway connecting West 36th Street to the new entrance, a new exterior stair, and interior remodeling of the existing lobby and exhibit spaces, including structural modifications to floor elevations.

Project Details

Location:

Minneapolis, MN

Completed:

Phase 1: 1998 | Phase 2: 2020

Construction Cost:

Phase 1: $3,200,000 | Phase 2: $3,000,000

Owner:

Bakken Museum

Architect:

Phase 1: MSR Design | Phase 2 RSP Architects

Contractor:

Mortenson (Both Phases)

Awards:

2000 CUE Award, 2000 Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Award