The Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) has undertaken several extensive renovation and expansion projects in recent years. Founded in 1928 as an art school, the FIA now features both exhibition and educational programming, and the museum’s permanent collection includes over 8,000 works of art, many of which are by renowned artists from the past and present.

Sorensen Gross provided pre-construction services, design/ build, and construction management services for Phases I through V, working closely and collaboratively with the Owner and Architect throughout all.

The new museum design creates a strong architectural identity for the Flint Institute of Arts. The exterior facade is composed of alternating brightly colored glazed brick and glass panels. A dramatic skylit public space unifies the improved public entrances and the museum’s activities by running from the front of the building, past a contemplative outdoor sculpture court, to the rear entry.

Phase I included a new lobby, multi-use space, café, gift shop and renovations to nine instructional studios, 10 collection galleries, library, and the building’s facade (renovations to 90,000 square feet of existing building as well as the construction of 18,000 square feet of new additions).

Phase II included a 12,000 square foot addition to gallery spaces on the east side of the building, plus a 7,000 square foot loading dock on the south side of the building. The project also included 1,000 square feet of new basement.

Phase III was a renovation and addition of 1,433 SF to the art school space, including a dedicated glaze room and installation of a new large-scale kiln.

Phases IV and V included the addition of another new 11,000 SF gallery wing for collection exhibitions, as well as the enclosure of and reconfiguring of an existing courtyard into a state-of-the-art glassblowing studio.

All work was done in phases to maintain Owner operations throughout construction.
Phases I and II were completed on time and under budget.