$75 Million Bond Bill Funds University of Minnesota Campus Overhaul

The University of Minnesota is spending $75 million to rebuild its St. Paul campus, a project that includes replacing a library and a residence hall.

A bonding bill passed in April 2026 allocated $35 million specifically for the new St. Paul Campus Center. This structure will replace both the St. Paul Student Center and Magrath Library. The project scope expanded in July 2026 when the University announced the closure of Bailey Hall, adding its replacement to the plan.

Ryan Schmiesing, the University’s Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, stated that demolition of Magrath Library has already started. Construction on the remaining sites is scheduled to begin in early 2027. The new campus center will be built on the current site of Magrath Library. A new residence hall will occupy the same general footprint as Bailey Hall.

The closure of the student center has required the relocation of its services. Meaghan Miller Thul, Associate Vice President for Engaging and Belonging, said the University is moving student services to the Continuing Education and Conference Center. She noted that staff from the student center will also transition to that location.

Miller Thul said the planning for the student center began in 2015. She emphasized that the new facilities are being designed to meet student preferences, including connections to the Gopher Way trail and access to food service.

The decision to close Bailey Hall was announced in July 2026, slightly over a month before the start of the fall semester. Housing assignments had already been made at the time of the announcement. University Housing and Residential Life stated that no first-year students would be left without housing. The department did not clarify at the time whether the closure was temporary for renovations or permanent.

Schmiesing acknowledged that the timing of the announcement was rushed but described it as a good decision. He said the move allows the University to complete the facility and have students living there by the fall of 2030. Katelynn Carpenter, a third-year student and member of the St. Paul Housing and Advisory Committee, said the reinvestment was needed. She noted that there was a student perception that Bailey Hall was unpleasant. Miller Thul said the University is developing a system to provide more regular updates on the renovations.