Menomonie (Press Release) — The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents is asking Gov. Scott Walker to include $28.3 million in the state’s 2011-13 capital budget to renovate a large part of a UW-Stout academic building that dates back to 1917. 

The regents approved a project proposal that would upgrade the infrastructure and remodel space in Harvey Hall, the second oldest building on campus. The recommendation now goes to Walker and the Legislature.

“I hope that Gov. Walker agrees with the Board of Regents about the need for this important project,” said Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen. “This is an aging building that really needs to be brought into the 21st century.”

In 1986, Harvey Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing building in the Menomonie Downtown Historic District. With four stories, plus a basement, the 101,200-square-foot building is one of the most heavily used academic and office buildings on campus.

Sorensen noted that the attempt to renovate Harvey Hall dates back many years, and the project is getting more imperative every year. Problems with the building’s infrastructure were identified in the early 1990s, he added.

“The deteriorating conditions in Harvey Hall make it important that the entire building be renovated,” he said. “There has never been a comprehensive project to renovate this building.”

For example, Sorensen said, Harvey Hall has the original heating and ventilation systems that were obsolete years ago. These systems perform poorly and require intensive maintenance, he said.

Raymond Hayes, interim dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, said four academic departments and four service offices are housed in Harvey Hall. More than 5,500 students generating 34,000 student credit hours take courses in the building each semester.

“Upgrading this facility will provide a higher quality learning environment and a safer, more comfortable climate for all,” Hayes said.

The project includes replacing and upgrading all mechanical, electrical, telecommunications and life safety systems, and improving ADA accessibility. Most portions of the building also would have new HVAC systems installed, and a secondary electrical distribution system would be added.

Other upgrades would include a new roof, restrooms and automatic sprinkler system, updating an elevator and adding a second elevator. Classrooms and offices would be reconfigured and improved to meet current needs and technology demands.

“The time definitely has come for Harvey Hall to be renovated to meet the needs of our students, faculty and staff,” said Julie Furst-Bowe, provost and vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. “We rely on this building heavily for many classes, and it simply doesn’t meet our current needs.”

She said that many of the classrooms are undersized and have problems with ventilation, lighting and a lack of technology. The renovation would “return these classrooms to full instructional functionality,” Furst-Bowe added.

“The building was state-of-the-art when it opened in 1917,” Hayes said. “However, despite minor upkeep and repair efforts at various times during its life, the building and its infrastructure are in serious need of modernization.”

The proposed project is the second part of an overall plan that started with a $5.1 million renovation of Harvey Hall Theatre. The theater is nearing completion, and a grand opening is scheduled Friday, April 1.

Harvey Hall

• Houses the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Named for Lorenzo Dow Harvey. Harvey devoted most of his life to education and held many influential offices, including president of the state normal schools in Milwaukee, state superintendent of public instruction, and president of the National Education Association. Harvey came to Menomonie in 1903 to head the Stout Manual Training School and serve as superintendent of the public school system. To simplify administration of the various Stout enterprises, the Stout Institute was created in 1908, and Harvey became its first president and served in that role until his death in 1922.
• One of the most historic moments at Harvey Hall occurred Feb. 26, 1960, when future President John F. Kennedy spoke in the theater and met with students and administrators. Kennedy’s wife, Jacqueline, also attended. Kennedy spoke for about 20 minutes. A historic picture shows Kennedy using the phone in the office of Stout State College President Verne Fryklund.
• Other speakers in Harvey Hall have included Helen Keller and Maria Von Trapp.
• In 1972, presidential candidate George McGovern was scheduled to speak in the theater, but a bomb scare forced the speech to be moved.