Explore Top Facilities at the University of Minnesota!

Explore Top Facilities at the University of Minnesota! w l hall company freeman aquatic center recreation and wellness center 1

The University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness Facility and the Jean K. Freeman Aquatics Center have created a world-class sports and exercise environment for U of MN students. Since their construction, these projects have been a key asset for student recruitment, providing natural daylight in desired amounts.

Explore Top Facilities at the University of Minnesota! w l hall company freeman aquatic center recreation and wellness center 2

We provide several options for incorporating natural light. For spaces where glare is a concern, translucent panel options are available. Where glare is less of an issue, curtain walls with large lites of glass are perfect for maximizing daylight.

Recreation and Wellness Center


Located on the University of Minnesota’s East Bank Campus, the 400,000-square-foot facility serves over 6,000 patrons every weekday during the academic year. There is something for everyone, from modern fitness equipment to diverse wellness programs.๏ปฟ

Explore Top Facilities at the University of Minnesota! w l hall company freeman aquatic center recreation and wellness center 3

This facility, built by JE Dunn Construction and designed by Cannon Architects, features curtain walls with expansive lites of glass to allow abundant natural light, as glare was not a concern.

Explore Top Facilities at the University of Minnesota! w l hall company freeman aquatic center recreation and wellness center 4

Jean K. Freeman Aquatics Center

๏ปฟ

Home to a 50-meter racing pool and an adjacent diving well, the facility is perfect for athletes and recreational swimmers alike. Since opening in 1990, the Aquatics Center has hosted over five million participants, making it a community cornerstone.

Explore Top Facilities at the University of Minnesota! w l hall company freeman aquatic center recreation and wellness center 5

Due to glare concerns at this facility, we opted for Kalwall translucent panels to let in natural daylight. Kalwall also offers energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and durability.

Whether your design goals are to let in sunlight (via clear glazing) or daylight (filtered through translucent skylights or wall panels), we are here to help with custom design solutions for your unique project.

Explore Top Facilities at the University of Minnesota! w l hall company freeman aquatic center recreation and wellness center 6
w l hall company

Lower Risk, Higher Standards: W. L. Hall Company's 2025 MOD Rate Shines

By Ira Hackner • July 3, 2025
Safety may not always be the flashiest topic, but in construction, it’s one of the most critical. At W. L. Hall Company, we’re excited to announce that our 2025 MOD rate is at an impressive 0.65—thanks to the unwavering focus of our Safety Team and the exceptional care and professionalism of our Ironworkers, Carpenters, and Glaziers. It’s a standout accomplishment that reflects our industry-leading commitment to jobsite safety.

Maximizing design and function at UnitedHealth Group’s Optum campus.

By Ira Hackner • June 30, 2025
Operable walls have transformed from functional dividers into aesthetic enhancers of the built environment. On this recent project, we helped the architect balance the need for space flexibility with the desire for the look of a more "permanent" solution. Glass panels with false muntins offer the best of both worlds— the look of a fixed demountable system with the flexibility of operable wall systems.

Illuminating Southdale Center’s $400M Luxury Wing with W&W Glass Systems

By Ira Hackner • June 23, 2025
As part of Southdale Center’s $400 million luxury renovation, Simon Property Group (Indianapolis) reached out to us to help bring their bold architectural vision to life. We collaborated with W&W Glass Systems (New York) to deliver and install a stunning array of structural glass solutions that elevate the experience in the new luxury wing.

Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center's (Duluth) new high-performance façade system at the Level 6 - Inpatient Entrance.

By Ira Hackner • June 6, 2025
Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center's (Duluth) new high-performance façade system at the Level 6 - Inpatient Entrance.

A Brighter Future for West Minnehaha Recreation Center

By Ira Hackner • June 6, 2025
A Brighter Future for West Minnehaha Recreation Center

University of Minnesota Shepherd Laboratories 3rd through 5th Floor Glass & Glazing Renovation

By Ira Hackner • May 19, 2025
In collaboration with BWBR Architects (St. Paul) and Knutson Construction (Minneapolis), our team brought their design vision to reality for the comprehensive glass and glazing renovation at the University of Minnesota's Shepherd Laboratory. This project was strategically designed to: Transform the research and instructional environments spanning floors 3-5 Enhance thermal performance via contemporary glazing solutions and advanced curtain wall technology Foster a dynamic atmosphere conducive to collaboration and adaptable work arrangements Elevate the visual character and architectural presence of the building Embrace environmentally responsible design practices, including specialized bird-friendly glass treatments

Marlite Artizan Max Defense FRP Panels | Taking Durability and Design to a Higher Level

By Ira Hackner • May 8, 2025
Marlite Artizan Max Defense FRP Panels | Taking Durability and Design to a Higher Level

Restorations | Reflections Condos Curtainwall | 1550 Utica Ave Tower Glass Atrium Roof

By Ira Hackner • April 25, 2025
Due to our "challenging" winter weather conditions, building maintenance professionals frequently schedule glass atrium and curtainwall repair initiatives when spring arrives. Among our current projects in this category are the 1550 Utica Avenue Tower (St. Louis Park), Glass Atrium Roof rehabilitation, and the restoration of curtainwall components at Reflections Condominiums (Bloomington).

Window Skylight Transformation for Downtown Minneapolis' ๏ปฟArtistry on 10th Luxury Apartments

By Ira Hackner • April 9, 2025
Crowe Construction (St. Louis Park) contacted us about replacing the skylights at Artistry on 10th, a modern luxury apartment complex. The existing skylights were extremely leaky, aesthetically unappealing, had poor opacity, and failed to meet current-day structural requirements. They allowed minimal natural light to enter the space, provided little comfort or functionality, and were energy inefficient.

โ€‹The Larking 8th Street Apartments in downtown Minneapolis exemplify our approach to architectural collaboration.

By Ira Hackner • March 28, 2025
Through a strategic collaboration with ESG Architecture (Minneapolis) and Kraus-Anderson Construction (Minneapolis), we provided the exterior glazing on The Larking—a landmark 16-story development redefining urban residential spaces in Minneapolis.
More Posts