September 23, 1997 - St. Cloud State University library project makes way for construction phase; $32 million SCSU library project on track

The final design for the $32 million St. Cloud State University library has been approved and the project architects have been directed to make ready for a spring groundbreaking. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Morris Anderson and SCSU President Bruce F. Grube made the announcement today in St. Cloud.

The library project is on track to be completed in three years. Construction document preparation, the final stage before construction, should be completed by early 1998 and groundbreaking should take place in mid-May.

The library could be finished in 30 months but might take up to 39 months, because of factors related to the complexity of the new library's technology, as well as to the nature of building projects this size.

"Getting the St. Cloud library back on track has been a major priority since I became chancellor three months ago," said Anderson. "We are delighted that the way is now clear. The new library is an important resource for both MnSCU institutions in St. Cloud, and for the community as well."

St. Cloud State University and St. Cloud Technical College are both part of the MnSCU system.

The 213,300-square-foot library will replace the Learning Resources Center in Centennial Hall, built in the late 1960s. The new library will feature hundreds of computer workstations, group study areas and a 180-seat lecture auditorium.

"This new learning resources center is destined to become the foundation for carrying St. Cloud State University to a higher level of excellence and the focal point for study, learning and the exchange of ideas," said SCSU President Bruce F. Grube. "The new library clearly is the most significant project for St. Cloud State University in decades, and a giant step toward realizing the university?s vision for the next century and continuing its tradition of excellence and opportunity."

President Grube called the library a key feature in SCSU's commitment to electronic education and helps achieve his goal to see the university recognized as one of the top 10 universities of its kind in the nation.

St. Cloud State University is the largest and most highly accredited of the MnSCU institutions. MnSCU is the largest single provider of higher education in the state, serving approximately 145,000 students on 54 campuses. The system includes community colleges, technical colleges, comprehensive community and technical colleges and state universities.