Northwest beginning construction that will change face of Martindale Hall

Northwest Missouri State University has begun a construction project that will dramatically alter one of its oldest campus buildings in alignment with the University’s efforts to strengthen partnerships and programs emanating within its School of Health Science and Wellness.

Martindale Hall

The rendering above shows how Martindale Hall may appear after a renovation and expansion of the building are complete.

Martindale Hall closed this month for the renovation project. The building is expected to reopen in time for fall classes in 2026.

Northwest is entering the final phases of the renovation project, which its Board of Regents approved in March, to address space needs and centralize operations for allied health sciences programs. The University completed a renovation of the facility’s third floor last year and now is embarking on renovations and expansion of the building’s first and second floors.

When complete, the renovated space will house the University’s foods and nutrition lab, a well-being lab and a sports science lab as well as classrooms, collaboration spaces and lounge spaces.

To meet the total project cost of $17.5 million, the Missouri General Assembly has approved $8.5 million with a requirement that Northwest raise the remaining project funds by December 2024.

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 office location for the School of Health Science and Wellness. It includes four classrooms and other learning activity spaces.

The Northwest community may watch the construction on a University webcam at www.nwmissouri.edu/webcam.htm.