MOUNT VERNON — The Cornell College fine arts renovation project of Armstrong Hall and Youngker Hall, including Kimmel Theatre, has received an honor award for design excellence for architecture from the Iowa chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The project was designed by
Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck (HLKB) Architecture of Des Moines. Armstrong Hall, built in 1938, was renovated in 2002-2003 for the music and theater departments. Youngker Hall opened in 2003 featuring a new 266-seat, state-of-the-art theater.
The jury’s comments on the project included the following:
- Clear expression of new versus old while responding to the historical character of the existing building (Armstrong).
- The setback of the new building (Youngker) respects siting of original building (Armstrong).
- Nice special joint between; clarifies circulation.
- Volumes read well beyond glass façade.
- Tells story of evolution of building through its architecture.
There were 60 entries vying for three honor awards, two merit awards and a special recognition award at the AIA chapter’s annual convention Oct. 15. HLKB received four of the total six awards presented, including all three honor awards.
Previous campus projects completed by HLKB are renovations to McWethy Hall, Law Hall and Cole Library, the new Marie Fletcher Carter Pedestrian Mall, improvements to Bowman-Carter residence hall, the new Meyer Strength Training Facility in the Richard and Norma Small Multi-Sport Center and renovations to the lower level of West Science Center.
