Hellems Renovation

August 2024 – September 2024: Work is continuing in all areas of the site. 

  • Contractors have completed portions of the exterior utility and site work.
  • Interior framing, drywalling and building systems installation is continuing in the north wing and west wings. 
  • The original structure of the east wing has been removed, and contractors are preparing for the new steel to be installed.
  • The roof replacement is ongoing, and the new windows are being installed in the north wing of the building.

June 2024 – July 2024: Progress is continuing throughout the site:

  • Contractors have been continuing to frame the new interior walls, as well as installing the new HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems.
  • A portion of the lobby floor has been removed to create a visual connection between the first and second floor.
  • Excavation for new utilities, which is underway on the north side of the building, will continue over the summer.

March 2024 – May 2024: New interior construction is progressing quickly:

  • Contractors have been framing the new walls, along with running new piping and ductwork
  • The new window at level 3 has been cut into the existing wall
  • Excavation for the new basement classroom has been progressing

January 2024 – February 2024: Demolition is wrapping up and the new construction work has kicked off:

  • The existing building structure is being reinforced prior to the renovation work
  • Demolition of the east wing structure is beginning
  • Framing of the new walls on the third floor has begun 

June 2023 – December 2023: The project has moved into the abatement and demolition phase:

  • The construction site fencing has been installed 
  • Orion Environmental is working through a phased approach to the asbestos abatement
  • Adolfson & Peterson has mobilized on site and will complete the interior demolition of each wing as the abatement wraps up
  • Shoring and scaffolding are being installed to prepare for for removal of the east wing structure
  • Exterior work in the Mary Rippon Theatre has begun

May 2023: The building occupants have moved out of Hellems in preparation for the start of construction.

December 2022 - May 2023: This project is in the document phase. The purpose of the document phase is to:

  • Finalize refinement of design 
  • Detail construction drawings and specifications
  • Coordinate design and building systems
  • Finish material investigation
  • Plan construction phase

June 2023: Construction fencing has been installed. See the site map for detailed information.

Project Overview

Anticipated construction start:Summer 2023
Anticipated occupancy:December 2025
Budget:$105 million
Gross square footage:95,065

About the Project

The Hellems Arts & Sciences and Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre renovation project includes $42.1M in state capital construction funds to support capital renewal and $63.1M in cash spending authority to support needed programmatic improvements into one $105.16M project.