Specifics Newsletter

September Meeting – Sept. 11, 2006
Autumn Arboretum; from Lundie to Lindeke
by Terry Olsen

On a gloomy evening, with a moment of silence for lost member, Terry Ryan, followed by another moment for those lost on September 11, 2001, the September CSI program was a mix of solemnity and festivities. A true mix of emotions rang with the toast to Rebecca Foss on the award of her Fellowship, but the loss of our great friend and inspiration to her battle with cancer. Continuing the toast, 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year members received their chevrons and applause of appreciation for their ongoing efforts on behalf of the chapter.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum hosted this kick-off program for the 2006-2007 CSI Minneapolis-Saint Paul Program year. And what a spectacular location for this event! The champagne added the sparkle missing from the weather outside, and the indoor-outdoor connections of the spaces allowed participants to enjoy the outer beauty from the inside warmth.

And the visual warmth of the spaces was appreciated as well. The addition to the Arboretum by Rafferty Rafferty Tollefson Lindeke Architects complemented the original design by Edwin Lundie. Without copying the existing building or mimicking the details, the Arboretum went from the feel of a small, north woods cabin in dark woods and heavy timber to an open, airy, timber-framed lodge. Tours took participants through the meeting rooms, art gallery, Great Hall, classrooms, cafeteria, dining room, outdoor terraces, and by skyway link, to the original inspiration by Edwin Lundie. Leading the tours were participants in the project’s process Chip Lindeke, project architect, Ed Durand, c o-specification writer, and Tom Nonnemacher, McGough Construction Construction Manager at Risk.

Attention to detail included a warm, rich porcelain tile floor, Loewen wood-clad windows, and wood timber trusses with concealed connections. With copper sprinkler pipes to blend in with the wood framing and copper gutters and downspouts, it was clear the owner wanted a quality, long-lasting building.

The evening presentation round table in MacMillan Auditorium had Chip, Tom, and Fred Clayton, U of M’s Owner representative, discussing the evolution of the project and the Construction Manager At Risk delivery method. One critical piece was that the Arboretum has to be kept operational during construction. The time crunch was due to the donor expectations. Although the Arboretum missed opening for the November shoppin g season, it opened in early winter with an expanded gift shop (about 4,000 square feet). The project was released in two construction packages: a foundation/structural steel package and a completion package, to speed delivery. The benefit of CM At Risk for this project is the Owner kept his contractual relationship with the architect, yet the contractor was on board early to assist with decisions pertaining to financial implications. The 40,000 square foot building and associated grounds was completed for about $11.5 million, or approximately $280.00 per square foot.

The project was completely privately funded, so without State funds compliance with the Minnesota B3 was not required. Contrary to the impression that this may be a “green” building on a green site, at the direction of the Arboretum’s director, LEED certification was not pursued. However, many environmentally beneficial elements were incorporated, such as geothermal heat and cooling (with another mechanical system back up) and they had the Weidt Group assist with the energy calculations.

This location is quite a long drive for this Saint Paul-y girl; however, I would definitely recommend making the trek. It is a beautiful location, and once one would tire of the gardens, as if that could even happen, one can then find solace in the gem of a building whose connection between the past and the present is as firm as its connection between the outdoors and indoors. Well done!

September Meeting Photos