Norman Hall was completed six years before World War II began.
Looking at a picture of some machinery found within the bowels of the building, all Mori Hosseini, chairman of the State University Board of Governors, could say was, “That’s old.”
The historic hall will be receiving a facelift, however, after the Board of Governors unanimously approved a request by UF on Thursday for money to renovate the building.
According to the presentation given to board members, Norman Hall, home to the College of Education, has received only minor updates over its 80-year history. The approved project will modernize the building, which is listed on the National Historic Registry.
While the project is estimated to cost $24.4 million, the approved request for the 2015-2016 year is for $8 million. The project aims to start in April 2016 and end in August 2017.
The money will be used to restore the brick, replace old electrical and plumbing systems, restore the library and add a new conference facility.
“It is well past its time for renovation,” said Chris Kinsley, finance and facilities assistant vice chancellor, who made the presentation to the board.
The board members motioned to pass the request before Kinsley even finished his presentation.
[A version of this story ran on page 1 on 2/20/2015 under the headline “Funding passed for Norman Hall project"]
A women’s restroom in Norman Hall is marked off with caution tape on Sept 10, 2013. The building had no running water, and students were being directed to Norman Hall’s new addition, the Digital Worlds Institute next door.
In this Sept. 10, 2013, file photo, a women’s restroom in Norman Hall is marked off with caution tape. The building had no running water, and students were being directed to Norman Hall’s new addition, the Digital Worlds Institute next door.
