Bemidji State University is preparing to say goodbye to a building that has stood on campus for nearly four decades.

There was a large crowd gathered at the retirement party for Hagg-Sauer Hall today, which was dedicated in 1973. It’s expected to be demolished around early June. A groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for August. Officials with BSU say the new facility is extremely needed because of infrastructure issues that have caused problems in Hagg-Sauer.

Dr. Faith Hensrud, BSU President, says, “We’re reducing the campus square footage by about 50,000 sq. ft. and we’re utilizing some spaces that we’re under-utilized previously, so really a wonderful cost-saving measure. We’re reducing some deferred maintenance as a result that just couldn’t get done, about $6 million in deferred maintenance, so a really significant savings for the institution as we move forward.”

The new Hagg-Sauer Hall is expected to be ready by fall of 2020. The new building will more accessible with active learning classrooms and lecture halls.

Travis Barnes, BSU Facilities Director, says, “It is all a lecture hall with active learning classrooms and lecture classrooms throughout the new building. Looking to bring in some northwoods themes as far as native trees, native grasses and bring in some of the northwoods feel into the new building.”

BSU will be making renovations to a few other buildings including Benson Hall, Sattgast Hall, the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex and the A.C. Clark Library.