Staff who work in Mayville State's Old Main prepare to move out as renovation project plans continue
May 10—MAYVILLE, N.D. — Mayville State University is a flurry of activity, not just for students nearing the end of the spring semester, but also for faculty and staff working in Old Main, the university's oldest building. They're preparing to move out over the summer as a renovation project moves forward.
Rhonda Nelson, an assistant professor of business and chair for the Division of Business, said employees are packing their things and thinking about how to direct students to the new rooms where their classes will be held.
"There's that anxiety. That excitement is starting to build because we're not going to be here in the fall," said Nelson, who works in Old Main.
Some of the most recent developments in the renovation process come from draft schematics shown to staff, students and community members by Foss Architecture and Interiors, the company working on the renovation. President Brian Van Horn spoke about the concepts in a recent newspaper column.
Part of the plan is to leave the exterior south side of the building intact and put additions on the west and east ends, which will be constructed to match Old Main's appearance. In order to accommodate a new elevator in the central corridor, the top of the central tower will receive an extension. Van Horn also spoke about efficiencies, such as in heat, air and energy, that will be a focus of the renovation.
Old Main's renovation has been an
anticipated project
, and has recently been funded by the Legislature, which provided approximately $52 million. The main focus is making it a facility fit for modern-day students, updating infrastructure, technology, ADA compliance and other systems.
Van Horn attended a meeting with students to talk about the project and said they were enthused — even students who will have graduated by the time of its completion. Van Horn recalled one student who said he wanted to be there when the project is done, but would be graduating before then.
"I don't remember his exact words," Van Horn said. "He said that this is awesome or outstanding, one of the two words I think is what he used. And so he was remorse that he'd be graduating prior to the opening of this building. That's kind of what we've heard others say in terms of their pleasant surprise at the way the building looks at this stage."
The university has had other meetings and feedback sessions to get input from the community, Vice President for Business Affairs Amber Hill said. Those who have given their opinions want the outside of the building to maintain its original, traditional look and adhere to historic properties, she said. She expects students to want something more technological and modern, but was surprised that some voiced their appreciation for the traditional architecture. Foss has been retentive to public feedback, and Hill has been surprised by how the company has been able to integrate the community's wants.
"I am floored by the imagination and creativity that Foss has brought to the table," she said.
Nelson said some of the most common issues in the building have been the sounds of pipes clanging and the variation of temperature from one side of the building to the other. On the north side, it could be 85 to 95 degrees, while on the other the experience is similar to walking into a refrigerator, she said.
"It's something we have to deal with," she said. "The joke is it's kind of just an Old Main thing. We just kind of know that we're going to have to deal with things like that."
Designs still need to be finalized, Van Horn said, but things are on track to put out a construction bid document toward the end of August. There will be more updates to come as the project continues, with an estimated project completion in summer 2026.
