Representatives of the Ohio State Beauty Academy, Lima, Ohio, part of University of Northwestern Ohio, selected Kansas City, Mo.-based Butler Manufacturing’s Widespan structural system for the 27,057-square-foot cosmetology school because of its design flexibility. The structural system provides large clear span areas, which was necessary to accommodate salon and spa equipment, and can facilitate expansions.
The university chose the MR-24 roof system for the project, completed in January 2012, which is also on most of the Butler-supplied buildings on the campus. Using Butler’s Shadowall wall system complemented the brick and stucco on three sides of the facility and integrated with the design aesthetics of other campus buildings.
The existing Ohio State Beauty Academy building was an older structure located in downtown Lima that did not allow for expansion. Six months after the University of Northwestern Ohio purchased the academy in 2008, the decision was made to construct a new facility adjacent to the main university campus.
The project goal was to build a versatile, economical facility that would attract new students and position the beauty academy as one of the top-rated schools in the U.S. Dr. Jeffrey Jarvis, president of the University of Northwestern Ohio, says it was important to design a facility with architectural appeal that integrated modern features that would appeal to potential students. “From the dramatic entryway to the decorative interior, the entire facility is an inspired space,” he says.
Van Wert, Ohio-based Alexander & Bebout Inc., a Butler builder, was the general contractor. A challenge of the project was the team’s lack of knowledge about the cosmetology industry. The team measured the former location to gain insight into how much space was needed for each element including student workstations and cosmetology equipment.
Ohio State Beauty Academy, founded in 1935, is adjacent to the western edge of the campus in Lima and is attended by 190 students, 70 more than the previous facility. It features classrooms, offices, administration and faculty wings, a clinic floor, manicure and pedicure area, restrooms, a break room and massage rooms. Dr. Jarvis says the university’s board of trustees was pleased with the project. “The building is absolutely beautiful and is a landmark on Eastown Road,” he says.
Butler Manufacturing, www.butlermfg.com
