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Missouri State University Celebrates Completion of Science Building Renovations

  • By Matt Jones
  • 11/12/26

Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., recently celebrated the completion of renovations to Roy Blunt Hall, according to a university news release. The November 2 ceremony marked the conclusion of the project's second phase and the official opening of the fully renovated and expanded facility, which houses the university's College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

The original building, formerly known as Temple Hall, was constructed in 1971. Renovation work focused on updating its infrastructure and academic spaces while maintaining its historic architectural features. The university worked with the State Historic Preservation Office during the planning process to identify elements for preservation.

The project included repairs and cleaning to the original concrete exterior, as well as the preservation of the atrium's lighting and clerestory windows. Other original features, including corridor lighting arrangements and glass panels above laboratory and office doors, were retained. Replacement windows and entrance doors were selected to complement the building's original appearance.

Infrastructure upgrades included new HVAC, electrical, plumbing, laboratory, fire suppression, and fire alarm systems. Additional improvements included a new roof, an updated elevator, and accessible restrooms.

The completed facility, including its original structure and new addition, measures approximately 200,000 square feet. It accommodates 75 faculty and staff members, 100 graduate students, and 2,400 STEM majors. An estimated 10,000 additional students will use the building for general education science courses and laboratories.

“Education and mentorship remain at the heart of meaningful research and innovation,” said Dr. Magdalena Toda, dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

The project's first phase, a $80-million, 77,000-square-foot addition, was dedicated in September 2025. The expansion includes teaching and research laboratories, updated lecture halls, and outdoor learning areas, according to a separate university news release. The university partnered with Dake Wells Architecture and RIHC Contracting Inc. on the addition.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

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