Minot State begins major projects

MINOT, N.D. - Minot State University will begin two major projects transforming campus. The University announced the beginning of the Student Center renovation and the demolition of Dakota Hall.

Both projects are slated to begin within the next few weeks, with the Student Center's second floor in and around the Beaver Dam offline beginning Friday, Jan. 30. Fencing around Dakota Hall in early February will mark the beginning of that project.

"Each of these projects is important as we continue modernizing the MSU campus," said Dr. Steven Shirley, Minot State president. "The Student Center project will enrich the student experience, and the demolition of Dakota Hall will drive efficiencies for MSU."

The Student Center renovation will focus on the second-floor space currently occupied by the Beaver Dam, Student Government Association, MSU Life, and MSU Housing. The $3 million project will enhance student spaces and services. This renovation is fully funded by student activity fees, as passed by the student population. It is expected to be completed in August in time for Fall 2026 classes.

This project focuses on creating a signature space for Minot State University students that serves as a welcoming "family room" for the campus community. The redesigned space will provide a comfortable and flexible environment that supports student activity programming, collaborative learning, and informal gathering. The renovation intentionally emphasizes a more open floor plan and maximizes natural light by reactivating existing window spaces that have been part of the building's structure for decades. Once complete, the new second-floor space will position the University and its students for decades to come, serving as one of the most visited and heavily used spaces for both students and alumni on campus.

Throughout the renovation period, current cafeteria services are expected to remain relatively undisturbed, ensuring continued access to dining options for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The north access to the Beaver Dam will be closed, with primary access to the Beaver Creek Café coming from the Student Center Atrium. The northwest entrance of the Student Center will have access to the third floor.

Student Government Association (SGA) will move to the Souris Room and Student Activities will relocate to the Fisher Room, both on second floor of the Student Center. MSU Housing offices will move to the first floor of the Administration Building. SGA and activities are temporary moves to accommodate construction, with housing permanently relocating to the Administration Building.

This marks the first renovation to the Student Center since a $1.1 million project transformed an older ballroom into the current Beaver Dam in 2007. The Student Center was built in 1961.

Dakota Hall is one of Minot State's oldest buildings, having been constructed in 1931 as the second residence hall after Pioneer Hall. It was celebrated at the time of its opening for its modern conveniences and comfortable living environment.

Due to deteriorating conditions in the building, MSU took Dakota Hall offline in 2020, concluding that renovating the nearly 100-year-old building was not financially viable. Minot State, in partnership with the MSU Development Foundation, has made significant investments in apartment housing to meet modern student needs, building Beaver Suites in 2012 and purchasing Beaver Ridge in 2021.

Dakota Hall's demolition was awarded funding in the 2023 legislative session and was slated for the summer of 2024 before it was discovered utility tunnels under the structure needed additional work prior to demolition. MSU was awarded additional funding in the 2025 session.

Demolition is expected to be completed in mid-May. During the project, the parking lot between Dakota Hall and University Avenue will be closed. MSU plans to return the site to green space.