Rock County, seeking to enhance service delivery efficiencies and service accessibility, commissioned a county-wide Facilities Master Plan that included Rock County’s Human Services Resource Center.
The team identified a need for +90,000 sq. ft. to accommodate the consolidation of the county’s health and human service functions. Ultimately, the County identified a vacant former grocery store providing more than 120,000 sq. ft. of convertible space that is centrally located and features adequate parking and ready access to public transportation.
Daylighting and daylight parity throughout the building were identified as critical to the success of the project. Renovation of the building’s roof structure incorporates clerestory volumes above the building’s central circulation spine, as well as a brightly lit courtyard gathering/respite space at the building’s core. Additional skylights flood spaces in the building with well-controlled natural daylight, providing a bright and pleasant environment for both county residents and agency staff. Integration of a heavily insulated roof deck further supports energy efficiency.
The exterior of the building has been entirely re-clad, and ample exterior windows included on all elevations of the building allow daylight in and provide excellent views out. A modest expansion provides a secure single-entry point for visitors to individual department access points within the building. To enhance access to public transit, a bus transfer station is now located on site.
