Purdue Polytechnic Institute

As part of the design services provided for the Renaissance District’s mixed-use development in downtown South Bend, JPR worked with the campus owner and Purdue University on leased space improvements for the Purdue Polytechnic Program. A high-education vocational program, Purdue Polytechnic Institute offers a hands-on approach to education.

With design standards already developed by the owner and JPR, all tenants had to adhere to specific guidelines. Because of this, JPR was faced with the challenge of achieving the modern-technology design that was required by the owner, while still meeting the unique needs of an industrial lab space for the Institute. To solve this, custom electrical bus systems and commercial fume hood closets were designed to house and conceal utilities and fabrication areas. Under-floor data and compressed air were also included.

While the main portion of the tenant space was designed as an adjustable lab area for engineering projects, the original space consisted of two rooms with the flexibility to be combined into one large classroom. The fractal nature of the building and design standards allow for this flexibility to happen, and to date, Purdue Polytechnic Institute has seen one expansion phase with additional plans to expand again in the future.

Located inside the former Studebaker Automobile Factory, students are surrounded by the building’s industrial legacy - engulfed in a rich history as they learn.