Wartburg College broke ground on the Clinton Hall renovation today in a ceremony with President Darrel Colson, the college’s board of regents and supporters from the campus community.

Representatives from Credo, the project’s architect, and Cardinal Construction, the lead contractor, were among those helping break ground on the residence hall, which was constructed in 1958 and last had a major update with the addition of the south wing in 1966.

Preliminary work has begun in portions of the building. An eastern addition and the complete renovation of the interior are scheduled to be complete by the time students return to campus in the fall.

“We know we would not be here today if it were not for the generous response from our alumni, parents and friends,” said President Darrel Colson. “For the first time in many years, we will have secured funding for a major capital project without having to take out a loan, and we are grateful for those who have made that possible.”

Major gifts from the Franklin I. and Irene List Saemann Foundation, Mike and Marge McCoy, Ray and Judy McCaskey and the R.J. McElroy Trust have helped push total donations for the project to more than $7.5 million. Fundraising to meet challenge grants is ongoing and will continue through May 31, when construction will begin in earnest. The project is the capital centerpiece of the college’s Transforming Tomorrow campaign.

The Clinton Hall project includes major interior updates and a new addition, including:

Updated student rooms, with new furniture, wall finishes and flooring, as well as modernized bathroom facilities.

A modern classroom, tutoring and collaborative study spaces, a computer lab and a faculty apartment.

Energy-efficient upgrades, including a new roof, new windows and updated plumbing, electrical and heating systems, as well as air conditioning throughout.

Social and gaming lounges and a small movie theater.

An accessible entrance and elevator that will make Clinton Hall compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To learn more about the Clinton Hall project or to donate, call 866-219-9115 or visit www.wartburg.edu/clinton.