ABOVE PHOTO: A proposed renovation of Heritage at UW-Stout will include improvements to the exterior and interior of the building. / Architectural rendering
A critical renovation project of one of University of Wisconsin-Stout’s busiest classroom and lab buildings has taken a major step forward.
The Heritage Hall plan received priority approval on Friday, Aug. 19, at the UW System Board of Regents meeting held at UW-Green Bay. The board ratified action taken Aug. 18 by the Capital Planning and Budget Committee.
Among UW System capital budget requests, Heritage Hall was ranked No. 1 in priority in the Chippewa Valley and No. 3 for major academic building renovation projects.
Chancellor Katherine Frank was pleased that the Board of Regents recognized the importance of a renovated Heritage Hall to the applied learning environment at UW-Stout and the role it will play in addressing Wisconsin’s projected workforce needs.
“Heritage Hall is Stout’s number one capital priority, and I’m pleased that the Board of Regents demonstrated their support for this essential project. The renovation will turn an outdated building into a state-of-the art facility that prepares students for success in high-demand careers such as hospitality, child care, mental health and wellness, and education,” Frank said.
Heritage Hall is home to the School of Education, School of Hospitality Leadership, nutrition and family health, and the Weidner Center for residential property management.
The state job outlook for graduates from most of the programs based in the building is expected to grow between 6% and 15% by 2025. With UW-Stout’s 100% graduate employment rates in nearly all of these programs, the improved capacity provided by the Heritage Hall renovations will help provide qualified Wisconsin workers to address these demands.
Heritage Hall, 415 10th Ave. E., which opened in 1973, serves more than 2,000 UW-Stout students each academic year. The university first requested funding for Heritage Hall 13 years ago, in the 2009-11 state budget. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
