Colorado State University Lory Student Center

Reimagining a campus landmark through transformative renovation, modernization, and structural renewal.

The revitalization of Colorado State University’s iconic Lory Student Center transformed the campus’s primary gathering place into a modern, highly functional hub for student life while maintaining partial operations throughout construction. Completed with a steadfast commitment to campus safety and communication, the project was carefully coordinated around the university’s academic calendar to minimize disruption to students, staff, and visitors.

The $70 million project included a 160,000-square-foot renovation and a 40,000-square-foot addition, modernizing the facility while preserving its role as the heart of campus activity. The renewed student center houses a wide variety of programs and services, including a full ballroom, dining venues, student support offices, an art gallery, and the Ramskeller microbrewery. To accommodate construction, student center staff and numerous student organizations were temporarily relocated to modular offices created within the MAC Gym.

A major component of the project involved replacing most of the building’s exterior enclosure system with a high-performance thermal envelope that significantly improved energy efficiency and building performance. Additional work included extensive utility upgrades, site and civil improvements, landscaping, and premium exterior concrete hardscapes featuring specialty-finished site walls.

The result is a revitalized student center that preserves a beloved campus landmark while delivering modern amenities, enhanced safety, improved sustainability, and flexible spaces that will serve the CSU community for generations to come.

Because building, fire, and seismic codes had evolved significantly since the original facility was constructed, the project also required a comprehensive structural strengthening program. Strengthening operations included:

• 4,200 cubic yards of concrete
• 23 shear walls within the existing building’s footprint
• 42,000 square feet of carbon reinforcing (the third-largest carbon fiber reinforcing operation in the US)
• Complex, phased construction schedule

This project received LEED Silver Certification in 2014