Barton Malow and Notre Dame: Elevating Excellence
Projects
For the past 15 years, Barton Malow has been instrumental in transforming the landscape of The University of Notre Dame’s campus. This extensive involvement has been quite diverse, including the development of athletic structures, like the Compton Family Ice Arena and the Indoor Practice Facility; educational spaces, like the Nieuwland and Stepan Hall Renovation and Addition; and student housing, like the new construction of Johnson Family Hall, a Women’s Residence Hall on campus.
Our partnership began with the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center as its cornerstone project. This initial endeavor laid a solid foundation for a series of more than a dozen subsequent projects that have since been successfully completed. Barton Malow continues to seek opportunities on the university grounds, demonstrating a resolute dedication to furthering Notre Dame’s continuous expansion and evolution.
Courtside Chronicles: Inside Purcell Pavilion
Opened in 2011 and achieving LEED Gold certification, the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center is a versatile event center. It hosts basketball games, graduation ceremonies, concerts, and a variety of other major events, making it a central hub of activity and celebration.
The Purcell Pavilion project provided a unique opportunity to forge a lasting partnership with Notre Dame. Barton Malow took great care to ensure that this initiative not only met but exceeded expectations, reflecting our unwavering commitment to the University. Through meticulous planning and execution, we aimed to create a space that embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that Notre Dame represents. The two-story, 60,000 SF renovation and addition included a new main entry and lobby area, new private entries to premium-location boxes, a complete seating replacement, increased ADA handicapped-seating options, concessions and ticket areas, and infrastructure improvements.
All construction activities were carried out within a fully operational building, necessitating detailed planning and coordination. Close collaboration with the University was essential to maintain normal operations throughout the project. By implementing double shifts, the renovation work was efficiently completed within the narrow windows between sports seasons, ensuring that the facility remained functional and accessible at all times. This approach allowed us to meet the project’s goals without compromising the daily activities and events hosted in the building.
Transforming Tradition: The University of Notre Dame Campus Crossroads Project
The Campus Crossroads Project stands as the largest building initiative in the 175-year history of Notre Dame. It sought to celebrate the historic 1930 stadium while incorporating contemporary features. The design retained the iconic façade, famously called “the house that Rockne built,” and added vintage signage, art deco lighting, and brick columns to honor its legacy. This fusion of historical and modern elements creates a dynamic atmosphere, enriching the campus experience and transforming it into a year-round center for academic, athletic, and student life activities.
The addition of Corbett Family Hall, Duncan Student Center, and O’Neill Hall has expanded the university’s footprint by approximately 800,000 SF, encompassing classroom, research, student life, media, performance, meeting, event, and hospitality spaces. These three new buildings foster a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment, enhancing student life far beyond the traditional football season.
The design integrates three distinct structures connected to the stadium: Duncan Student Center, dedicated to student life initiatives; Corbett Family Hall, housing the anthropology and psychology departments along with a digital media center; and O’Neill Hall, home to the Department of Music and the Sacred Music program. Additionally, Duncan Student Center and Corbett Family Hall provide premium seating options, including Loge Boxes and Club Seats.
Constructed by hundreds of tradespeople over more than 3 million hours from November 2014 through 2017, the Campus Crossroads Project unites diverse activities central to the Notre Dame experience.
“The depth of feelings, traditions, and expectations of the students, alumni, faculty, and staff led Barton Malow Company staff (and labor) to do everything necessary to return the construction site to the University in a safe and clean condition for football, graduation, alumni, and university functions,” says General Superintendent Mike Poole.
This ambitious endeavor benefits everyone who studies, teaches, lives, works, and visits the university, embodying the spirit of innovation and community at Notre Dame.
Beyond Blueprints: Barton Malow’s Commitment to the Notre Dame Community
Over the years, Barton Malow has demonstrated a profound commitment to community service at Notre Dame, going above and beyond the typical construction responsibilities. Barton Malow’s dedication is evident through various impactful initiatives it has spearheaded.
One notable effort was the fundraising campaign for the Kelly Cares Foundation, led by Mike Poole. This foundation supports organizations that provide breast cancer care, showcasing Barton Malow’s engagement with health-related causes and support for individuals affected by this disease.
During the holiday season, Barton Malow’s team extended their generosity to the local Ronald McDonald House, providing essential items such as toiletries, toys, books, and gift cards, addressing the diverse needs of families during challenging times and bringing comfort and joy to those staying at the facility.
Additionally, Barton Malow supported families through St. Vincent de Paul’s holiday program. Contributions were substantial, benefiting 1,075 children and 689 adults with toys, meals, and financial assistance. This initiative not only brought happiness to children but also provided essential support to families during the financially straining holiday period.
These consistent and meaningful actions highlight Barton Malow’s unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the Notre Dame community. Our commitment to community service goes well beyond construction projects, reflecting a deep understanding of and responsiveness to the needs of the people they work with and serve.
