Kendall College of Art and Design / Old Federal Building Redevelopment

This historic five-story Beaux Arts building was originally constructed in 1909 and served as a federal building until 1981. Next it was home to the Grand Rapids Art Museum but later sat vacant until Ferris State University chose to redevelop it into the Kendall College of Art and Design, creating a campus environment that allows the College space to offer innovative programs and continue to thrive and grow.

Due to the condition of the building, massive repairs were needed for both the interior and exterior, all while preserving the historic fabric of the structure. For example, the exterior is a solid granite veneer that had withstood the test of time but required tuck pointing and a thorough cleaning. To complete this work, the building was fully covered in scaffold for access, and all of the surfaces were reviewed to ensure it would last another 100 years. Inside, all existing mechanical and electrical systems were replaced with current technology. Historic oak woodwork throughout the interior was restored with a combination of stripping of the existing finish and reinstalling the missing trim that was damaged over the years of derogation.