Morehouse Hall transformed from residence hall into Johansen Student Center at Drake University

This spring, students at Drake University have a new option for space to study and gather as newly renovated Morehouse Hall re-opens its doors as the Johansen Student Center.

After recently completing renovations to Hubbell Dining Hall and a revitalization of Meredith Hall, the University hired Story Construction in 2023 as it planned renovations to Morehouse Hall. Made possible by donor gifts, the renovations were primarily focused on turning the residence hall into space for individual and group studying, student events, student organizations, support offices and meeting space. As the Story team was brought on board, it worked to provide the University with a clear understanding of what was possible with the available resources to support decision-making.

“While we knew the project would take more than the original budget, we wanted to understand what the budget would get us,” said Michelle Huggins, planning and design manager at Drake University. “We knew the whole building would need mechanical improvements, and we were able to partition the rest of the scope floor by floor. The Story team helped us establish scope below and above the line, and allowed us to prioritize scope as new donors committed to the project.”

The scope of the renovation included demolition of walls and some ceilings and construction of new corridor walls, new flooring, new furniture and technology, and construction of an elevator shaft within the building to allow for accessibility to all levels.

The project also included construction of a new outdoor plaza directly adjacent to the ballroom to provide separate or connected event space.

Story Construction crews self-performed temporary protection, site concrete including plaza walls and sidewalks, elevator excavation and foundations, miscellaneous steel, window blocking, door frames, cabinetry and specialties.