Northwest entering final phase of infrastructure modernization project, other campus improvements underway

Northwest entering final phase of infrastructure modernization project, other campus improvements underway

Northwest Missouri State University is transitioning this summer into the third and final phase of its infrastructure modernization project, which also will include the demolition of a structure that has been part of the University campus since its establishment.

Northwest began the estimated $105 million project in 2024, enabling the University to deliver more reliable, sustainable and cost-effective utility services to campus facilities.

For the last two years, the resulting construction and utility upgrades have forced temporary closures of campus buildings, roads and sidewalks. This summer, Northwest students, employees and visitors can expect more of the same as work crews complete HVAC upgrades in numerous buildings and the campus's conversion from a centralized steam plant to a decentralized hot water plant.

"We are excited to be in the final phases of this unique opportunity to improve energy efficiency and infrastructure systems across the Northwest campus," Scott Kuhlemeyer, the director of capital programs at Northwest, said. "It has been a challenging process, implementing a large quantity of capital improvement projects over the last couple of years, but it is very rewarding to look at the overall impacts on our campus. The positive impacts on our students, faculty and staff will be felt for many years to come."

As the infrastructure modernization nears its completion, Northwest also will demolish its John C. Redden Jr. Power Plant this summer. The original building - though it has been rebuilt and expanded - was constructed and opened in conjunction with the Administration Building in 1910.

In its place, eight miniature heating plants installed in existing campus buildings will each provide redundant heating capacity for their areas, with the ability to connect and share heat with neighboring plants. Additionally, three new chillers will deliver more consistent cooling throughout campus.

More details about the noteworthy construction projects and facility improvements happening this summer at Northwest are provided below.

More information about the infrastructure modernization project, including a map of current closures on the campus, is available at https://www.nwmissouri.edu/alert/infrastructure/.

History of the Power Plant

In the spring of 1906, the newly-formed Board of Regents at what was then called the Fifth District Normal School approved plans for an academic hall, landscaping and a powerhouse for heating. In the fall of 1910, students began attending classes in the Administration Building, powered by the power plant to the east.

As decades passed and the campus grew, the power plant also evolved. In 1918, an additional structure was built east of the original powerhouse to store carloads of coal in preparation for potential winter shortages. In 1928, the original brick smokestack was replaced with a 150-foot-tall white stack, and the original powerhouse was rebuilt to coincide with the installation of a 390-horsepower steam boiler.

As a result of fuel shortages and increased energy costs during the 1970s, Northwest began exploring and experimenting with alternative forms of energy. The University eventually converted to a wood waste-fuel power plant by burning wood chips generated from manufacturing processes in Missouri and surrounding states. By 1983, it generated 69 percent of the total energy to heat the campus and saved the school more than $150,000 in energy costs.

The conversion to wood waste drew numerous accolades for Northwest, which continued to innovate in the 1990s. When the city of Maryville began looking for alternate methods of reducing paper waste to save landfill space and transportation costs, Northwest retrofitted a gas boiler and purchased equipment to process paper pellets made from recycled paper products. Northwest also developed a method to pelletize and deodorize animal waste and acquired a U.S. Patent by using waste from its farm as another source of fuel for the campus.

During a 35-year period, Northwest realized an estimated $16 million in savings because of its alternative energy program, compared to purchasing natural gas and oil. In 2023, however, Northwest discontinued its use of alternative fuels, due to its aging boilers and antiquated components and began work to modernize its energy infrastructure.

The John C. Redden Jr. Power Plant was renamed in 2019 for Redden, who dedicated 45 years of service to Northwest and played a key role in launching and maintaining its innovative alternative fuels program. Last year, the Board of Regents approved renaming the University's Maintenance Building as the John C. Redden Jr. Maintenance Building to retain the honor bestowed for Redden's dedication to Northwest and its facility operations.

Bearcat Stadium improvements

Fans will notice an improved game-day experience when football returns to Bearcat Stadium and Mel Tjeerdsma Field in the fall.

Work to replace the field turf is underway already and expected to be complete by mid-June. The University also is replacing chair seating on the stadium's west grandstand with an array of wider seats for improved fan comfort. Additionally, the seating upgrades will double the grandstand's railback seating.

The improvements at Bearcat Stadium this summer also include the replacement of its videoboard - a significant upgrade to the stadium when it was installed in 2014 - with a larger, more modern display.

The Bearcat Stadium upgrades are financed by a mix of University funding and private donations, including Nodaway Valley Bank.

"It's going to be a different visitor experience coming into Bearcat Stadium," said Tim Yourison, Northwest's deputy athletic director for external relations. "We're trying to elevate it. We've got a great product on the field. We have phenomenal fans, and we want to enhance the fan experience."

Martindale Hall

An extensive expansion and remodel of Martindale Hall is coming to an end this summer in alignment with the University's efforts to strengthen partnerships and programs emanating within its School of Health Science and Wellness.

Martindale Hall closed for the renovation project in 2024 and will reopen for fall classes in August with new spaces that include a foods and nutrition lab, a well-being lab and a sports science lab as well as classrooms, collaboration spaces and lounge areas.

While the total cost of the project is $17.5 million, the Missouri General Assembly provided $8.5 million toward the project.

Martindale Hall opened in 1926 as the University gymnasium and was renovated and repurposed for academic programs between 1973 and 1975. The building serves today as the primary location for the School of Health Science and Wellness.

Pedestrian improvements

Northwest, in collaboration with the city of Maryville, is enhancing a section of Fourth Street to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and connectivity.

When complete, the redesigned section between North Ray and North Munn avenues will include a raised traffic table to eliminate conflicting crosswalks, create one primary pedestrian route across the roadway and reduce traffic speeds. The redevelopment also will include street lighting and a new sidewalk connecting North Munn to North Ray on the south side of the street.

In 2024, the Missouri Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) awarded grant funding totaling $600,000 for the project. The remaining project costs are financed through Northwest's Campus Master Plan funds.