A nine year dream is becoming a reality. You might have seen the start of construction while driving on Birchmont Dr., but a groundbreaking ceremony today marked the official beginning of Bemidji State University’s Memorial Hall renovation. State and local leaders gathered to show their support for the project as partners of BSU. Minnesota Office of Higher Education Director Larry Pogemiller said, “The combination of the historic building and how they’re going to retrofit for modern day students is just fabulous.”

The renovated building will serve as home of the business and accounting programs. School officials say the completion of the building project will help students succeed. BSU business student Lisa Kittleson said, “I am extremely eager to continue my studies in this soon to be brand new facility alongside my current students.”

And even though the project marks a new chapter for BSU, the renovation project will preserve some of the old while introducing the new. The old gym floors and wooden bleachers will be re-purposed as part of the renovation project.

BSU plans on finishing construction in May of next year. Funds for the project were provided from a bonding bill, which also included the demolition of Sanford Hall and a later renovation of Decker Hall.

By — Lakeland PBS

Our mission to educate, entertain, enrich, and enlighten.