Luther confirms plans to renovate Dieseth and Miller Halls

Luther College officials have confirmed what decorahnews.com first reported on October 28th—that the school plans to renovate and improve Miller Hall and Dieseth Hall, the nine-story residence halls that house more than 700 students.

Luther officials estimate the cost of renovating the two buildings, customarily called the "Towers," will be almost $8.5 million.  Construction work is expected to begin in the summer of 2011.

Named for Frank Miller and John Dieseth, two former members of the Luther board of regents, the residence halls were completed in the late 1960s. Miller and Dieseth primarily house sophomore and junior students.  About 735 students live in the two buildings, most in two-person rooms.  Currently, room furniture is built-in.
 
Renovation plans and estimated expenditures include replacement of the buildings' plumbing and HVAC (heating, ventilating, air-conditioning) systems, $2.16 million; student rooms furniture, fixtures and equipment, $740,000; improvements to shower rooms and restrooms, $610,000; upgrading general condition of the buildings, $600,000; improvements to student rooms, $580,000; window replacement (Miller Hall), $450,000; upgrading corridors and doors, $280,000; and miscellaneous general construction and carpentry projects, $220,000.
Other major project costs include asbestos abatement, $470,000; Brunsdale Lounge remodeling, $150,000; and a new mini-suite of rooms on each floor, $20,000.  Design fees, various construction fees, and building signage will add about $484,000.  

Contingency funds of about $720,000 are included in the project estimate.  Luther also plans to spend about $1 million to significantly upgrade the appearance and character of the building interiors so that they will be distinctive, aesthetic and welcoming student residences.

To fund the renovation and reconstruction project, Luther will seek $7.5 million in tax-exempt bond financing.  Luther officials have met with City of Decorah officials to discuss the proposed bonding.