The Dunn County Board of Supervisors Wednesday night adopted a resolution asking the state Legislature to approve funding for a $139-million renovation of the University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Heritage Hall, a 50-year-old academic building that is used by more than 2,000 students.
“…renovation will renew and modernize instructional environments, optimize operational efficiency, and provide state-of-the-art workforce training and services to students, the community, and employers.”
The UW Board of Regents ranked the renovation of Heritage Hall as its No. 1 priority in the Chippewa Valley and the third highest priority for academic buildings across the state, the resolution noted. Gov. Tony Evers included planning funds for the Heritage Hall project in the 2023-25 state budget; however, the County Board’s resolution asks the Legislature to approve full funding for the project because it is an immediate need and delaying the renovation will add $10 million a year to its eventual cost.
A 2020 feasibility study revealed that the building’s systems were in danger of failing without an upgrade, the resolution noted, adding, “renovation will renew and modernize instructional environments, optimize operational efficiency, and provide state-of-the-art workforce training and services to students, the community, and employers.” The project will include classroom, laboratory and mechanical updates throughout the 133,000-square-foot building.
University officials say the renovation will help UW-Stout provide additional employees in critical fields, including mental health and wellness, childcare, education, and hospitality and tourism.
