After legislative approval in the spring of 2019, construction on Romney Hall began that fall. The project is expected to be completed by and open for spring classes in 2022. 

Sustainability

In a continuing effort to be environmentally conscious, MSU ispursuing a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, v4.1 certification for the project. It is also targeting the LEED Silver level. The program is designed to encourage new developments to be energy efficient and environmentally responsible.  The LEED rating model is constantly evolving to include the most environmentally friendly and forward-thinking designs. Currently, MSU has eight buildings on campus that are LEED certified.

The Romney Oval, the greenspace north of the building, will feature an energy district to promote a sustainable and clean use of water heating and cooling. Under the oval is 84 geothermal wells that are 700-feet deep and are two times the size of Romney Hall. There are more than 22 miles of piping that exchanges heat with the ground to efficiently heat and cool Romney Hall and future projets. 

Energy District

In theGrant Street tunnel, the new energy disctrict will allow heat to be shared and transferred among south-campus buildings and geofields. The project will start with Romney Hall and Romney Oval and the planned Student Wellness Center will also be connected once construction is completed.

Historic Preservation

To conserve the original beauty of Romney Hall, the project will feature:

  • Cleaned or restored original bricks
  • Historically appropriate steel windows with better energy performance
  • Refinished and reinstalled wood windows
  • Exposed original gym floor at the center of 300-person classroom
  • Existing terrazzo floors, mostly in north foyer/stair tower
  • Visible original steel support beams that held up the bleachers and later the track
  • Copper gutters on new stair tower
  • Exposed wall materials in southwest stairwell to showcase how the building was constructed

Architect and contractor

 

Last updated: June 21, 2021