The building was constructed in 1885 and was the first structure on campus. The exterior was being worked on at the end of July 2013, according to a spokesperson from the university.
The spokesperson said that during the renovation, century-old windows will be replaced, sandstone will be replaced with limestone, and any crumbling brick and deteriorating mortar will be replaced. The central tower will be restored to the way it appeared in 1885. A working bell will be added and rung on special occasions.
Senior at St. Ambrose, Jordan Light, said he is excited to see how the building will look after it receives its well-deserved face-lift.
“I’m sure it will be a big change. I’m sure we’ll miss some of those squeaky floor boards, and those sentimental things a little bit,” said Light. “It will be something where we’ll miss the old, but I’m sure we’ll embrace the new; and the energy efficiency of the new is hopefully something that they can incorporate and make it an all around better building for its use.”
He said he hopes it will be a place students want to congregate, with new areas to study, a place to eat, and less drafty than they old structure.
At the end of the renovations, the hall is expected to resemble the way it did in the 1800s.