Johansen Student Center (formerly Morehouse Hall)

Des Moines, Iowa

Drake transformed its historic Morehouse Hall into the Johansen Student Center—a day-to-night home base for collaboration, events, and 150+ student organizations. The design keeps the building's brick-and-Bedford-stone character while opening floors to daylight, adding technology-rich rooms, and weaving inclusive spaces like the Sammons Intercultural Center into the daily rhythm of campus life. A new plaza and clearer entries stitch the building into the Campus pedestrian pathways, turning a former residence hall into a campus living room.

Inside, selective removals restore long views and celebrate historic clarity; original details are preserved and paired with durable, contemporary finishes. Accessibility and usability rise together with a new elevator core, intuitive wayfinding, and flexible venues that shift from small working sessions to major gatherings without rework. Delivered through philanthropy—anchored by a landmark gift from alumnus Greg Johansen—the center opened in 2025 as a student-first investment that honors history while raising everyday utility.

Project completed while at INVISION — Role: Project Architect

Photos by Cameron Campbell; Integrated Studio