UW-Stout breaks ground on $144M Heritage Hall renovation

The University of Wisconsin-Stout hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the long-awaited Heritage Hall renovation project on September 9, 2025. Campus and community leaders, state representatives, and students gathered to celebrate the project’s impact on academics, workforce development, and the greater community. The event featured remarks from Chancellor Katherine Frank, Provost Glendali Rodriguez, and other distinguished speakers, followed by the ceremonial turning of the soil outside Heritage Hall.

September 29, 2025

MENOMONIE – The University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout) has officially launched a $144.3 million renovation of Heritage Hall.

Chancellor Katherine Frank said the three-year project will update the 50-year-old building to support modern academic programs and better align with workforce demands in Wisconsin.

Frank said the project, which is expected to be completed by fall 2028, will double the number of students Heritage Hall can serve through an extensive, clean-slate renovation.

“The renovation of Heritage Hall is a direct reflection of our mission as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University: to provide career-focused, applied learning and research and industry collaboration that meets the evolving needs of the state’s workforce and communities,” she said.

Before the renovation began, Frank said Heritage Hall served more than 2,000 students in 29 undergraduate and graduate programs annually.

Once it reopens, she said this number is expected to grow to more than 4,000 students each year.

UW-Stout Senior Facilities Officer Justin Utpadel said the three-year project will involve demolishing the interior partitions of the building to create maximum flexibility for new spaces.

Utpadel said the renovation will completely replace the building’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; replace the roof, windows and entrances; and create code-compliant and accessible restrooms.

“The renovation of Heritage Hall represents a bold step forward for UW-Stout,” he said. “This four-story facility will be completely revitalized with modern infrastructure, including solar panels and enhanced daylighting to support sustainability and wellness. Accessibility will be significantly improved, with accessible entrances on three floors.”

Frank said the bulk of funding for the project came from the State of Wisconsin through the 2023-25 state budget.

She said the project also received $13.5 million in private funding from university supporters, industry partners and alumni made through the Stout University Foundation.

Wisconsin-based Miron Construction will serve as the project’s general contractor.

TBN