Rodli Commons renovation plans continue, architect search underway

Key steps toward the plan to renovate Rodli Commons continue as interviews to hire an architect for the renovation project happened on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Dale Braun, campus planner at UW-River Falls, represented the campus at the interviews in Madison.

Braun said the plan is for Rodli Commons to become a “one-stop shop” for student services. Some of the student services that will be in Rodli include the Registrar’s Office, Admissions and Financial Aid.

Construction on Rodli Commons is not expected to start for about a year and half to two years, Braun said, but the interview to hire an architect is a start that will help push the project along.

Braun said they are looking for someone who has experience with campus construction.

“A successful team to us will have had some experience in working on universities before and also come with a good understanding of what contemporary student services are,” Braun said.

Once the architect is hired they will have a better idea of what the renovations will cost, how long the project will take, and what the plans for renovation will include.

Rodli Commons was chosen as the location for a one-stop shop for student services after the condition and re-use possibilities of the building were evaluated, Braun said. Having all student services in one building seemed to be the best model for students.

The majority of the funding for the project comes from state tax dollars and $4 million will be coming from student fees. Plans for the renovation project have been in the works since 2007 and the project is still in the early stages of development.

Braun said hiring an architect is just one of the key steps towards starting the renovation project.

Braun also said that plans for moving the offices and classrooms that are currently in Rodli have not yet been determined.