Since the recent merger with
Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD), the
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) building at 2 W. Fulton is ready for upgrades to enhance the gallery space, create more meeting space for community groups, and establish a round-the-clock classroom for KCAD's architectural degree program.
A 2,500-square-foot retail space on sidewalk level along Division will soon be classroom and workspace for KCAD's new
Masters of Architecture graduate program. Students and instructors will have access to the space 24/7 for collaboration, learning, and creation.
"I think this is exciting because it will be on the street (level)," says Craig Datema, CEO of
Triangle Associates, the construction managers for the entire Gallery on Fulton project, which includes the UICA, Gallery Apartments, the attached public parking ramp, and the retail space. "Part of our original goal with the development of UICA was to have that space in continuous use. I think it's going to add activity and vibrancy in the core of the city."
Datema goes on to say that the fourth and fifth floors within the UICA were originally brought to minimum code requirements so they could be used as public gathering spaces. Now an area in the NW corner of the fourth floor will get a new floor and acoustical separation from the residential apartments above it so it can be used as a gallery. And the fifth floor area that overlooks it will become a meeting room. The fifth floor will also get an A.D.A.-compliant restroom.
New lighting will enhance the atmosphere in all the spaces, plus the wireless Internet will be upgraded to enable faster, easier access for communications devices during heavy usage times, like during ArtPrize mobile voting.
"Triangle Associates has been involved since 2008 and we are very hands-on as part of the development team and for the interior build-out for the UICA space," Datema says. "It's very positive to see them start to bring it to this next step. It's that last little hurdle that we're hopefully getting over."
Construction should be completed by mid-September.
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
Images courtesy of Triangle Associates
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