Construction on Umrath Hall continues to reroute students’ paths across campus. Renovations started in June and are expected to continue until late May.

The renovations, which started in June and include a new roof and interior layout for the building, are approximately 45 to 50 percent done, Facilities Planning & Management Project Manager Michael Benoist said.

He noted that the changes will take better advantage of the building’s space, making previously cramped hallways and low ceilings more efficient.

Benoist added that the process of completely redoing a building’s interior is unlike any previous renovation on campus.

“We’ve never taken an entire roof off and replaced a whole roof before. It’s always been construction from the inside,” he said. “We basically gutted all the way up through the roof and put a new roof on. We’ve never done that with one of our 110-year-old buildings before, but it’s worked really well. It might set a precedent.”

When the renovations are complete, Umrath Hall will attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver status, according to Benoist.

The revamped Umrath Hall will boast a new and upgraded air conditioning system, electrical system, fire sprinklers, restrooms and windows, as well as two elevators.

It will also feature a classroom with a maximum occupancy of more than 50 students and house offices for the YMCA, the John C. Danforth Center on Religion & Politics, the Center for the Humanities, the Department of Classics and other campus groups.

“It’s a brand new building, practically,” Benoist said. “It’s going to be a really nice building—one that everyone will be proud of.”

One special feature is the addition of skylights that will shine all the way down to the bottom of the building.

“It’s going to be spectacular,” Benoist said.

Construction on many of the larger facets of renovation is progressing well, he added.

He noted that the new roof is in place, the framing for the walls and the rough-in for the mechanical and electrical systems is done for the second floor and the insulation process is just starting.

“The weather has been so good it has allowed us to move this fast. We’ve really only lost about five days to weather,” Benoist said.