Project Overview
Mortenson renovated the 90,000-square-foot Student Services Center at the College of DuPage while keeping the facility fully operational. The 17-month project modernized critical student support spaces through phased construction, collaborative planning, and adaptive problem-solving. The result is a unified, efficient campus hub delivered ahead of schedule and under budget.
Key Takeaways
- Renovated active 90,000 sf Student Services Center without closing operations
- Implemented phased construction with temporary relocations to maintain services
- Resolved complex structural and MEP integration challenges
- Completed under budget and ahead of schedule milestones
- Achieved zero recordable injuries over 431 consecutive days
- Strengthened campus services into a unified “one-stop” student hub
- Supported educational engagement through student project tours
- Completion Date
May 2025
- Delivery Method
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Construction Manager at Risk
- Additional Project Facts
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Owner: College of DuPage
Keeping Campus Services Moving
Maintaining uninterrupted student services required a highly coordinated project approach. Early integration between Mortenson, College of DuPage, SmithGroup, and MoDE Architects established strong communication, streamlined decision-making, and supported ongoing value engineering throughout the renovation. The work was organized into two strategic phases, allowing departments to relocate temporarily while their spaces were transformed. Flow scheduling and built-in transition periods provided flexibility to respond to evolving conditions, while collaborative problem-solving helped the team identify innovative solutions—such as below-grade steel reinforcement that preserved the design vision and avoided utility relocations.
Technical Challenges, Collaborative Solutions
Working within an existing facility required the team to thoughtfully navigate structural modifications and building system constraints. Converting a two-story stairwell into a three-story connection and integrating updates around existing MEP infrastructure called for detailed coordination, technical analysis, and close collaboration among the project team.
Building More Than a Facility
The project also became a real-world learning environment. Mortenson partnered with the College and design team to provide project tours for Construction Management and Architecture students, offering firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities of renovation work.
A Lasting Partnership
As the fifth project delivered together over 15 years, the renovation reflects a trusted partnership built on collaboration, adaptability, and a shared commitment to supporting the College's long-term goals.
