State building commission green lights Witte Hall renovation

Fifty-two-year-old Witte Residence Hall will receive a $47 million renovation, after approval Wednesday from the State Building Commission.

The project, slated to begin in the spring, will add an 11th floor to one of the towers, build bridges connecting the two buildings and bring new lounge space and air conditioning. Witte has served as one of the largest dorms on campus since it was built in 1964.

Gov. Scott Walker chairs the commission, which must approve all state building projects. He said the construction is necessary to improve student life on campus.

“Campus housing creates a positive and welcoming environment for students,” Walker said in a statement. “This investment in UW-Madison makes important improvements to Witte Residence Hall ensuring future students have an exceptional living environment to call home as they pursue their degrees.”

While the project calls for expanding many of the rooms in Witte, the addition of a new floor will result in an increase in space from the residence hall’s current 1,154 beds.

Funding for the project was included in the 2013-’15 biennial budget and was approved by the UW System Board of Regents earlier this year. University Housing has said the project is scheduled to begin in the spring after move-out and extend over the summer.

Housing Director Jeff Novak told The Daily Cardinal in July that the project will take two years but the major work will take place when students are away, with only one floor out of use during the school year.

“It is a 1964 building,” Novak said. “This is giving it a good refresh. We are hoping that this renovation will give us Witte for another 50 years.”

Renovations to Witte are part of the final phase of the university’s 2008 Residence Halls and Dining Services Master Plan. Upgrades to Sellery Hall are slated to begin next year as well.