Submitted Photo Dr. Steven Shirley cuts the ribbon to officially reopen Minot State’s Hartnett Hall.

Alycia Codrington, Comm 281

Harnett Hall was originally constructed in 1976. Now, 48 years later, a new renovation takes over the historic building.

Just off 11th Ave., through the heart of Minot State University, reveals the MSU Dome, Wellness Center, Swain Hall, Memorial Hall, and Harnett Hall. These buildings define the campus through the courses taught and community uplifting the affects students and residents.

Hosting daily sports events, student interaction, and parades of fun; this timeless road creates memories for students, facility, and residents to reminisce over for years and generations to come.

However, this significant road has been under construction for the past two years. During a special November 2021 session, the North Dakota State Legislature approved funding for MSU to renovate Harnett Hall.

Dr. Steven, Shirley, president of Minot State University, oversaw the renovations.

Reconstruction began in the Spring of 2022 it took over everything in the 55-year-old hall. Many students were displaced. Harnett Hall houses the administration for the English Department, Communication Department, Art Department, and the Division of Humanities. All of the proceeding students were removed and rehoused into surrounding buildings.

Ellie Scarbrough, a third-year art major, experienced the relocation from beginning to end. Spending her first year in the original Harnett, being transported to Swain Hall for her second year, and finally resting in the new and improved Harnett Hall.

“I enjoyed the old Harnett because it had a lot of personality, but the new is definitely nice for accommodations and the technology that is there, being a graphic design student, it was really needed,” she said. “It’s really techie, it’s like state of the art.”

Scarbrough currently has artwork displayed in Harnett Hall, a graphic photoshop piece labeled “The Witch.” While she is excited to have her art displayed in the new building, she admits it is taking some time to get used to the new layout.

“The old Hartnett was easy for me to get around for the classes I had, like drawing and graphic design,” said Scarbrough. “It’s just a little weird going from learning the original to getting into a schedule and knowing where everything is at in the new one. There is a bunch of student works displayed in the new Hartnett on the walls and I have a graphic Photoshop piece where I Photoshoped myself into the Scarlett Witch.”

The state-of-the-art refitted Harnett Hall is now equipped with new HVAC systems, renovated classrooms and floors, and optimal natural lighting to the north facing front. The renovated classrooms include improved learning, preforming, and study areas.

The facility were also considered during the renovations with new teaching spaces and offices also implemented.

Harnett Hall is now also equipped with a gamers ultimate competitive gaming arcade for the University’s ever-expanding Esports.

On Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 the Minot Area Chamber EDC attended the Harnett Hall at Minot State University to officially unveil the renovations in a ribbon cutting. President Shirley cut the ribbon surrounded by his fellow ambassadors.

This event was filled with socialization, delicious food, and commemorated the hard work put into making the new Harnett stand.

Decorated with student art pieces, Harnett Hall has made itself a home for a great many of students and faculty.