NDSU to complete collapsed building renovation

North Dakota State University received permission Thursday to seek legislative support to complete Minard Hall, the building that collapsed last Dec. 26.

State Board of Higher Education members received an update on Minard Hall and endorsed how NDSU is proceeding after the collapse.

The renovation and expansion of Minard Hall was budgeted at $18 million and scheduled to be complete in May of 2012.

However, the final price tag and the completion date are unclear after the north wall collapsed nearly a year ago.

NDSU President Dean Bresciani told board members the results of a forensic study into the collapse are expected in February.

“We’re at somewhat of a standstill,” Bresciani said.

NDSU officials are keeping legislators informed about the progress of the building, Bresciani said.

The university may need to go to the Legislature for additional state dollars for Minard, but first officials need firm findings on the collapse and cost estimates, Bresciani said.

Amy Dalrymple is a reporter at The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, which is owned by Forum Communications Co.

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