NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University is moving forward with the second phase of its campus infrastructure modernization project, which is scheduled for completion in 2026. The university has been upgrading heating and cooling systems in several buildings over the summer, including residence halls, Colden Hall, the Garrett-Strong Science Building, Lamkin Activity Center, the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts, Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building, and Wells Hall. Other improvements include updates to water and sewer systems as well as electrical service and controls throughout campus.

Work will continue into the fall semester with planned upgrades for the Administration Building, B.D. Owens Library, J.W. Jones Student Union, and Everett Brown Education Hall. Large-scale events will not take place at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts this fall due to ongoing replacement of cooling units. Exterior tunnel improvements are also set to continue through the semester.

At the end of the fall term, Northwest’s Title IX and Equity Offices will move to the third floor of J.W. Jones Student Union. The Administration Building is scheduled to close in December and remain closed until summer 2026; however, its third floor will stay open for courses during spring semester. Staff from that building will be relocated to B.D. Owens Library and modular offices placed north of Garrett-Strong Science Building.

The modernization project has a budget of $105 million over three years and aims to provide more reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective utility services across campus facilities.

Martindale Hall is also undergoing expansion and extensive remodeling as part of efforts to strengthen university partnerships and academic programs. The building is expected to reopen for fall classes in 2026. Originally opened in 1926 as a gymnasium before being renovated for academic use between 1973 and 1975, Martindale Hall currently houses offices for the School of Health Science and Wellness.

"