Summer construction projects, moves underway on Northwest campus

The summer construction season has begun at Northwest Missouri State University.

The campus has entered the second phase of its infrastructure modernization project, which will enable the University to deliver more reliable, sustainable and cost-effective utility services to campus facilities.

Northwest’s Board of Regents approved the estimated $105 million project in 2023, making it the largest capital project request in the University’s history. The University began the project last summer and expects the three-phase project to continue through the summer of 2026.

More information about the project, including a map of current closures on the campus, is available at www.nwmissouri.edu/alert/infrastructure/. 

Information about other major projects and changes happening this summer at Northwest facilities is provided below.

Martindale Hall

An expansion and extensive remodel of Martindale Hall is continuing this summer in alignment with the University’s efforts to strengthen partnerships and programs emanating within its School of Health Science and Wellness.

Martindale Hall closed for the renovation project last year, and the building is expected to reopen in preparation for fall classes in 2026.

When complete, the renovated space will house the University’s foods and nutrition lab, a well-being lab and a sports science lab as well as classrooms, collaboration spaces and lounge spaces.

While the total cost is $17.5 million, the Missouri General Assembly provided $8.5 million toward the project.

Martindale Hall opened in 1926 as the University gymnasium and was renovated and repurposed for academic programs between 1973 and 1975. The building serves today as the primary office location for the School of Health Science and Wellness.

Northwest-Kansas City

Northwest is vacating its Northwest-Kansas City location this summer in Gladstone, Missouri, after negotiating an end to its lease for the facility.

The University partnered in 2014 with the city of Gladstone and North Kansas City Schools to build the facility, known as the Northland Innovation Campus, and create synergies for K-12 programming while attracting business partners and students from the Kansas City metro and regional area.

Northwest moved into the building in 2016 and held a 10-year lease agreement to occupy about 18,500 square feet containing classrooms, meeting areas and office space on the top floor of the four-story building. Northwest used the space to offer degree completion programs as well as dual credit coursework and professional development.

Other projects

• As a result of construction related to the infrastructure modernization project at the Mark Rosewell Tennis Center and its Frank Grube Courts, Northwest is relocating the center and constructing new courts west of the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse.
• Several concrete and pavement repair projects are happening throughout the campus, including a ramp and staircase at the north entrance of the Garrett-Strong Science Building and at the southeast entrance of Bearcat Stadium.
• Starbucks in the B.D. Owens Library is closed this summer for a remodel.
• In an effort to further reduce campus energy consumption and costs, Northwest is adding capacity to its existing solar panel array on the roof of the Dean L Hubbard Center for Innovation, installing Energy Star equipment on the campus and improving the energy performance of various building HVAC systems and exterior envelopes.