NE North Dakota News

Construction on Mayville State University’s Old Main building has reached a significant milestone, with the project now entering its busiest phase and one year remaining until completion. The renovation is scheduled to be finished by summer 2026.

The university enlisted PCL Construction and Community Contractors for the work. PCL, which partnered with Community Contractors in 2013, has completed more than 20 projects together. The company began working with Mayville State in 2024, initially handling smaller projects before taking full control of the Old Main site in December 2024.

Jeff Lorber, superintendent from PCL Construction’s Midwest Division, leads the project. He brings 25 years of construction experience, including two decades as a superintendent. Lorber explained the challenges of timing construction around unpredictable Midwestern weather: “This summer is busy, because if you get a bad spring, it can put you in a tough spot,” he said. “Knowing when we were going to kick off the project, we had to figure out how to mitigate risk on the exterior activities.”

The goal is to complete most of the site and exterior work by the end of 2025. July saw a peak number of workers on site—between 100 and 110—working on tasks such as pouring concrete and addressing exterior elements. Interior teams have also made progress; after mechanical crews finished installing ductwork on the fourth floor, framing contractors began focusing on interior woodwork.

Lorber described their approach: “That’s how we bring in our trades, from the top down,” he said. “There will be 100-110 workers through the rest of the summer, after averaging around 60 people previously.”

Safety measures have been emphasized since PCL took over. The company installed perimeter fencing and addressed hazards like missing guard rails and structural issues. Third Avenue was closed off for construction use, and traffic patterns were changed to keep daycare center visitors away from heavy equipment.

Much of this work has taken place while students are away from campus. During events such as Shrine Bowl practices and games—which brought about 2,000 visitors—construction activity outside fenced areas was limited to ensure safety.

Alumni have been able to tour Old Main during construction. Doug Anderson, an alumnus from the early 1970s, noted both familiar features and dramatic changes: “As I entered the south entrance, I recognized the wood staircase, but after that, some areas I recognized and others I didn’t,” he said.

Kayla Evenstad (MSU class of 2008) expressed optimism about what lies ahead: “It’s remarkable to see not only new history being made, but also pieces of the past uncovered as the project evolves,” she said. She added that while Larson Center has traditionally served as a campus gathering space, Old Main may soon become central to student life.

Doug Anderson shared his hopes for Old Main’s future role: “I’m looking forward to a beautiful new Old Main, which will be a great place for lectures and theater productions, a place to meet and greet, and a great place to be a Comet!”

With one year left until completion, university officials say anticipation is growing among students, staff, alumni and community members as they watch Old Main’s transformation continue.