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Two major renovation projects were completed this summer, but that doesn't mean construction will end soon on the WSU campus.

When students returned this fall, they had a new space to relax plus an upgraded area for the sciences. A 8,000 square foot addition to Kryzsko Commons turned an under-utilized courtyard into dining, study, meeting and recreation space. A $10.2 million renovation of Pasteur Hall provides labs and classrooms for biology, chemistry, physics, geosciences and science education majors.

Featuring a wall of windows that frames views of the Krueger Library, the $2.5 million Kryzsko Commons addition was funded through union fees and reserves. Joe Reed, Student Union Director, explained that his focus was on students in the design of the space.  "We wanted to provide a place they could hang out, study, put on performances, or anything else they could think of," said Reed.

Included in the expansion was an elevator that improved accessibility, and multipurpose indoor and outdoor stage areas for performances.

Pasteur Hall, a 59,000 square foot building opened in 1962, was part of the 2005 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities bonding package. It completes the two-step process to create up-to-date science facilities, following the completion of the Science Laboratory Center (SLC) opened two years ago. A new entrance linking Pasteur, the SLC and Stark Hall was ready for the fall semester.

The Pasteur renovation improved outdated infrastructure in the building, and includes six lab spaces and four multipurpose classrooms. There is also space intended for teaching majors who are focusing on the sciences.

Following close on the heels of the Kryzsko and Pasteur improvements, two other projects will get underway this year on the WSU campus.

Maxwell Hall will undergo an $11.1 million remodeling project intended to integrate academic services, such as financial aid, the registrar’s office, advising and retention and admissions into a single area. In addition, the building will house the National Child Protection Agency and the Maxwell Children's Center. Over 81,000 square feet of space will be renovated. The project will take a year to complete.

Integrating student services, and creating a welcoming, efficient experience is a key objective of WSU's Learning for the 21st Century initiative. The Maxwell remodeling enhances WSU's ability to strengthen community partnerships, particularly through its relationship with the National Child Protection Agency.

Formerly a library, "Old Maxwell" will house academic services, while "New Maxwell" will provide areas for the National Child Protection Agency and the children's center. Offices currently located in Maxwell will move to temporary locations during construction and then permanent areas around campus later in the year.

Also approved in the 2006 bonding bill was $400,000 to study renovation and expansion of Memorial Hall. While Memorial was low on the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities priority list, the legislature was encouraged that WSU had already raised funds for the project. As planned, the project will upgrade and expand student fitness and wellness facilities and will be supported through a partnership of private funding, revenue bonding and state general obligation bonding.

Last Modified: Friday, October 06, 2006 9:11 by Heather Alt