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The Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School, founded by the State of Illinois as Illinois Soldiers' Orphans' Home for orphans of the Civil War, was a children's home located in Normal from 1865 until 1979. Since being decommissioned, some buildings were removed, while others have been renovated and reimagined. One of those buildings was the Power Plant, which is now the headquarters for Mirus Research. Intentional symmetry and patterns were created to mirror the large windows and their natural light, with divided spaces for employees to either work solo or collaborate. Exposed brick, industrial elements, the warmth of wood, and pops of color turn this vintage building into a modern office space that is inviting and energizing.
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Retaining the original interior brick exposed, provided the perfect backdrop for a modern industrial feel to the space, especially when coupled with aluminum that peak out from behind the warmth of wood accents. The suspended staircase allows for maximum light and visibility, and ties the industrial elements and warmth of wood into one focal point for the office.
The main conference room is a unique standalone space, slightly raised to accommodate the old power plant generator pad beneath it. Also unique to the space is its own separate ceiling that intentionally does not touch the space above, so sound is absorbed from above and below creating a quiet atmosphere for meetings and conference calls regardless of other activities throughout the building.
Bright pops of color add energy to the industrial space and exposed brick interior. The modern color palette and bright natural lighting through the abundant windows add balance to the heavy concrete beams that seem to float above.
