Fresh Color, New Energy: Transforming the Student Underground at the Institute for Community
At IOC Construction, we know that great design is about more than finishes and fixtures. It’s about elevating the everyday experience. That’s why our team was honored to donate time, talent, and materials to breathe new life into a space that truly matters: the Student Underground at the Institute for Community.
The Student Underground is a hub for creativity, connection, and collaboration. Our repainting project was designed not just to update the space, but to re-energize it.
The Vision: Bold, Clean, and Cohesive
Our goal for this transformation was simple yet ambitious: create a bold, modern look that reflects the innovative spirit of the students who use the space. By using high-contrast grays and blues against black door frames and white trim, we brought fresh definition to stairwells, gathering spaces, and architectural accents alike.
The result is a vibrant, functional environment that’s as inspiring as it is inviting.
Step One: Detail-Driven Prep and Application
We approached this project with the same craftsmanship and precision we bring to every job, donated or not. From the very beginning, our team focused on the details:
- Comprehensive Surface Prep
Clean-up was a collaborative effort. Our painters used soot sponges and microfiber tools to clear carpenters’ dust and prep unfinished drywall for a flawless finish.
- Meticulous Touch-Ups
From multiple coats on existing black doors to expertly blended feathering techniques around trim, our team made sure every surface met our high standard.
- Color with Impact
The chosen palette (cool grays, bold blues, crisp white, and deep black) helped define the space with energy and clarity. Stairways, beams, and concrete walls now serve as both structural elements and visual highlights.
Step Two: Final Walkthroughs and Finishing Touches
As the project wrapped, our team ensured every detail was complete through a dedicated punch list and follow-up work:
- Finishing Strong
Touch-ups to blue accent walls, closet interiors, and trim under staircases were handled promptly and with care.
- Responsive and Flexible
Even with minor delays due to weather and illness, our painters Jonny and Froylan ensured everything was completed professionally and on schedule.
A Message from Our COO
“Being part of this project held special meaning for me, both as COO of IOC and as a board member of the Institute for Community. The transformation of the Student Center for the Arts wasn’t just about renovating a space, it was about investing in creativity, connection, and opportunity. Supporting the School for the Arts at HighPoint through donated time, talent, and materials was deeply rewarding for our team, and we’re proud to contribute to a place that will inspire and uplift the community for years to come.”
— Emily Oltmann, Chief Operating Officer, IOC Construction
A Space That Reflects Student Potential
The new paint is more than a visual refresh. It is a tangible sign of investment in the students who pass through these halls. Every brushstroke reflects our commitment to community, quality, and purpose.
Ready to Elevate Your Space?
Whether you’re renovating a student hub or modernizing your workspace, IOC Construction brings detail-driven execution and a passion for transformation to every project. Let’s create spaces that don’t just look better, they work better for the people who use them.