Buildings at Minnesota State Mankato
Minnesota State University, Mankato encompasses 354 acres, including 77 acres of protected ravine areas.
Alumni Foundation Building
The Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation funded construction of the Alumni Foundation building. The State of Minnesota later leased space within the building to house programs like KMSU-FM, Alumni Affairs, Development, and Extended Education.
- Year Completed: 1989
- Square Footage: 17,400
- Building Cost: $1,272,906
Andreas Theatre
The Andreas Theatre is an experimental theatre connected to the Earley Center for Performing Arts. The Andreas Theatre includes a 200 seat, 60'x70' studio theatre, concessions area, dance and movement studio, scenic and costume design studio, green room, dressing rooms and graduate assistant offices. A matching grant from Lowell and Nadine Andreas stimulated other donors to cover the cost of the $3.4 million structure.
- Year Completed: 2000
- Square Footage: 19,469
- Building Cost: $3,434,224
Andreas Observatory
Made possible by a $230,000 gift from Lowell and Nadine Andreas of Mankato. This building houses a state of the art telescope. In addition to classroom and research use, it is open to the public for astronomical events.
- Year Completed: 1990
- Square Footage: 1,863
- Building Cost: $240,000
Armstrong Hall
Named in honor of Grace Armstrong, who taught professional education for 36 years (1927-63). Armstrong Hall is a classroom building.
- Year Completed: 1964
- Square Footage: 143,966
- Building Cost: $2,009,389
Athletics Concessions, Restrooms (West Building)
The athletics concessions building is located between the women's soccer field and women's softball field.
- Year Completed: 2009
Blakeslee Field
Blakeslee Field, also known as Blakeslee Stadium, was constructed in 1963. It was named in honor of Carlyn P. Blakeslee, athletics administrator and coach, who served the University for 37 years (1924-61). The 7,000 seat facility offers great sitelines and a natural grass surface. Since 1966 Blakeslee Stadium and nearby practice fields have served as the summer training camp for the National Football League's Minnesota Vikings.
- Year Completed: 1963
- Square Footage: 19,433
- Building Cost: $80,000
Carkoski Commons
The commons area linking Crawford Center and McElroy Center, known as Carkoski Commons was named in honor of Chester (Chet) A. Carkoski, in 1990. Chester Carkoski was the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Housing from 1960 to 1973. Carkoski Commons is home to the Residential Life Office, Health Services, and a large dining area for residents of McElroy, Crawford, and Sears. Effictive January 2017, the large dining area of Carkoski Commons was replaced with the University Dining Center.
- Year Completed: 1958
- Square Footage: 80,200
Centennial Student Union
The Centennial Student Union opened its doors 100 years after the founding of Mankato Normal School. In 1972, a three level complex was added housing a bookstore, ballroom, cafeteria, deli, gameroom, bowling alley, auditorium, and various offices. In 1999, a three story addition on the west end cost $5 million. All construction and operations have been and continue to be funded through student activity fees. Another phase affecting the building's southern exposure was completed in 2006 and cost $11 million.
- Year Completed: 1967, 1972, 1999, 2006
- Square Footage: 202,144
Center of Renewable Energy (CORE)
Minnesota State University, Mankato gratefully acknowledges the generous contributions of supporting organizations. With their support, the mission of the Center for Renewable Energy Research became a reality. The Center of Renewable Energy conducts research in the area of emissions testing and biofuel.
- Year Completed: 2010
- Square Footage: 6300
- Building Cost: $1.8 million
Clinical Sciences Building
Clinical Sciences Building houses labs for the School of Nursing, the Department of Dental Hygiene in partnership with South Central College's Dental Assisting Program, and the Department of Communications Disorders (Speech, Hearing and Rehabilitation Services). These labs and client work areas provide students real-world practicum experiences and patient interaction. Clients are drawn from the local and regional area.
- Year Completed: 2017
- Square Footage: 79,131
- Building Cost: $28.883 Million
Crawford Residence Community
The Crawford Residence Community was named in honor of Clarence L. Crawford, the seventh president of Minnesota State Mankato, serving as president of Mankato State College from 1946 to 1965. A, B, and C wings were constructed in 1958. D wing was constructed in 1964.
- Year Completed: 1958,1964
- Square Footage: 241,406
- Beds: 800
Ford Hall
Leonard A. Ford Hall, the southeast wing of the large Trafton Science Center, was named after Dr. Leonard A. Ford, a significant figure in the history of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Dr. Ford was a professor of chemistry from 1939 until his death in 1967. He served as chairman of the Chemistry Department from 1939 to 1947, and was Chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics from 1947 to 1965. The dental assistant and nursing programs (part of the College of Allied Health and Sciences) also owe their beginnings to Dr. Ford. He initiated Minnesota's first science fair in 1950.
- Year Completed: 2008
- Square Footage: 66,783
Gage Center
Since 1965, over 50,000 students lived in the 135-foot twin towers of Gage. Each tower held 650 beds. Eventually the years took their toll to the point that Gage elevators were not as fast as they could be and the wear and tear on the dining areas and common spaces were significant. The twin towers of Gage were imploded June 29, 2013.
- Watch Demolition Video
- Ode to Gage
- Year Completed: 1965
- Square Footage: 141,894
- Building Cost: $2.57 million
Highland Center
Highland Center was constructed in 1962. It houses swimming pool, coaches offices, and the departments of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports, and Human Performance.
- Year Completed: 1962, 2003
- Square Footage: 141,894
- Building Cost: $2,144,780
Highland North
Highland North was constructed in 1979. It houses Schellberg Gymnasium and faculty offices.
- Year Completed: 1979
- Square Footage: 47,699
- Building Cost: $3,168,300
Myers Field House
The Myers Field House was named after Earl "Bud" Myers who coached Minnesota State Mankato teams for 31 years and captured a combined 25 Northern Intercollegiate (NIC) and North Central (NCC) Conference titles during that time. The $11 million 84,000 sq. ft. field house was completed in 2001. It is a state-of-the-art facility that supports NCAA track and field events; practice space for softball, baseball, tennis, and student intramurals; along with a multi-purpose venue for the departments of Human Performance and Recreation. The newest addition to the Fieldhouse is a popular rock climbing wall in the southeast corner of the facility.
- Year Completed: 2001
- Square Footage: 82,308
- Building Cost: $10,288,152
McElroy Residence Community
McElroy Residence Community was named in honor of Frank D. McElroy, sixth president of Minnesota State Mankato. E, F, and G wings were constructed in 1961. H and I wings were constructed in 1964. (A remodeled I Hall became part of the Margaret R. Preska Residence Community in fall, 2012.)
- Year Completed: 1961,1964
- Square Footage: 208,763
- Beds: 1,000
Memorial Library
Named in honor of faculty and community members who made significant contributions to the growth of this institution, and the graduates who gave their lives in service to their country. An addition was built in 1992, and much remodeling has been done. A large portion of the third floor now houses the Office of Information Technology Services as well as offices for Minnesota State Mankato IT Services.
- Year Completed: 1967,1992
- Square Footage: 246,365
- Building Cost: $14,090,749
Morris Hall
Named in honor of history professor, Albert B. Morris, who taught at Minnesota State Mankato for 36 years, from 1919 to 1955. It is home to the College of Business. The departments of Urban and Regional Studies, Geography, Government, Ethnic Studies, Gender & Women's Studies, Economics, Dental Hygiene, the Undergraduate Research Center and the Honors Program also call Morris Hall home. The Morris Addition was built in 1979.
- Year Completed: 1968,1979
- Square Footage: 66,761
- Building Cost: $2,345,230
Nelson Hall
When it opened in 1962, Nelson Hall was intended to be an industrial arts building. It is now home to the departments of Art and Mass Media. Its east wing houses labs for Automotive Engineering Technology
- Year Completed: 1962,1979
- Square Footage: 64,693
- Building Cost: $1,847,032
Otto Recreation Center
First constructed as Highland Center, it served as Minnesota State Mankato center for physical education and athletic competitions. The name was changed to "Otto Arena" in honor of former athletic director and football coach Robert "Bob" Otto. A $8.4 million remodeling was completed in fall 2005 which converted the building's primary function to that of a fitness center. The building was renamed to Otto Recreation Center as a result.
- Year Completed: 1962
- Year remodeled: 2005
- Cost: $8.4 million
Pennington Hall
Named after Charles Pennington, an alumnus who served as a volunteer on the Minnesota State Mankato Foundation Board, the Annual Golf Classic Committee (athletics scholarship fund-raiser) and other boards and committees. The Mankato State University Foundation, Inc. funded initial construction of the building. The State of Minnesota later leased the space for classrooms.
- Year Completed: 1986
- Square Footage: 4,196
- Building Cost: $284,700
Earley Center for Performing Arts
The name suggests the disciplines of theatre, music, and communication studies, which are housed within. It also houses the Ted Paul Theatre (seats 529) and E.J. Halling Recital Hall (seats 350).
- Year Completed: 1967
- Square Footage: 87,887
- Building Cost: $1,785,038
Margaret R. Preska Residence Community
Named for former University President Margaret Preska (1979-1992), this structure includes the latest improvements for the 500 residents living there, along with offices for New Student and Family Programs. Most of the semi-suites house four residents, and a limited number of single semi-suites are available. The main floor includes classrooms and gathering spaces. This building is adjacent to Carkoski Commons, providing indoor access to the Carkoski Dining Hall.
- Year Completed: Fall 2012
- Square Footage: 109,773
- Building Cost: $29,925,000
Julia A. Sears Residence Community
Named after Julia Sears (1840-1929) who served as the Head of the Mankato Normal School from 1872-1873. She is celebrated as the country's first female leader of a co-educational public college in the United States. While in Mankato, Sears served as a professor of mathematics before being recommended for the position of principal by her predecessor George Gage. Under Sears, Mankato Normal School celebrated its highest enrollment to date with 121 full time students. Despite Sears' popularity, she was not asked to retun to the chief office of the institution after one year. The decision sparked a student walkout, known as the Sears Rebellion, and students were expelled for insubordination. She was recruited by the George Peabody Normal School in Nashville, Tennessee, where she served as the head of the Mathematics Department from 1875-1907. Sears served as a consultant to Susan B. Anthony and worked on passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
- Year Completed: 2008
- Square Footage: 150,275
- Beds: 608
Sports Dome (SCHEELS Field at the Maverick All Sports Dome)
Sports Dome is designed as a indoor practice facility covering a field and half. Users would include intercollegiate football, baseball, women's softball, women's soccer along with various intramural sports including cricket, women's rugby, women's lacosse. Community groups would also be allowed to scheduled practice events including youth soccer. The dome is inflatted in November and taken down in May. SCHEELS Field will be available all 12 months of the year and protected during the winter months with the inflatable dome.
- Year Completed: December 2019
- Square Feet: 109,850 sq. f. dome with 4,120 sq. ft. support building
- Project Cost: $6.3 million - Paid for by Student Fees ($2,000,000), Revenue Bonds ($2,000,000) and University Reserves ($2,300,000)
Standeford Observatory
Named after Leo V. Standeford, professor of astronomy at Minnesota State Mankato from 1969 to 1981, Standeford Observatory was built in 1982. The telescopes there are used for visual observations by Minnesota State Mankato students and other observatory visitors.
- Year Completed: 1982
- Square Footage: 200
Taylor Center
Taylor Center, with a total area of 142,951 square feet serves as the gateway to campus for students, alumni, faculty, staff and visitors. The building houses Bresnan Arena, and is the home of Mavericks basketball, volleyball and wrestling.
- Year Completed: 2000
- Square Footage: 142,951
- Building Cost: $18,410,374
Trafton Science Center
Named in honor of professor of biology and onetime Chairperson of the Division of Science and Mathematics, Gilbert H. Trafton. Trafton’s main building and the Trafton addition (1994) house various science, engineering and technology classrooms, offices and laboratories.
- Year Completed: 1972,1994
- Square Footage: 280,804
- Building Cost: $17,245,311
Wiecking Center
Formerly Wilson Campus School, the building was renamed Wiecking Center in honor of Anna and Emma Wiecking, who were faculty members for a combined total of 76 years. Wiecking currently houses University Security, University Facilities, Children's House, the departments of Construction Management and Family & Consumer Sciences, the Trio Programs, Military Science, Printing Services and classrooms, including the Wiecking auditorium. An annex, built in 1983, houses shops for the building trades and printing services.
- Year Completed: 1959,1983
- Square Footage: 108,405
- Building Cost: $1,764,105
Earle J. Wigley Administration Building
Named in honor of teacher, coach and administrator Earle J. Wigley, who served Minnesota State Mankato from 1933 to 1970. This building houses the offices of the president, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Fiscal Affairs and Student Affairs Offices, among other key administrative offices.
- Year Completed: 1979
- Square Footage: 48,933
- Building Cost: $1,485,709
Wissink Hall
Named in honor of former a chairperson of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and former Minnesota State Mankato dean, Dr. Gerrit M. Wissink. This building houses the Academic Computer Center, departments of Mathematics and Statistics, Computer and Information Sciences, and the School of Nursing, and several classrooms.
- Year Completed: 1987
- Square Footage: 65,725
University Dining Center
This new dining hall is serving more than 3,000 students, with more than 49,000 square feet of eating space.
- Year Completed: 2017
- Square Footage: 49,075
- Building Cost: $31.4 million
Seating Capacities - Auditoriums and Large Gathering Spaces
| Facility | Number of Seats |
|---|---|
| Andreas Theatre | 200 |
| Armstrong Hall 101 | 161 |
| Armstrong Hall 102 | 112 |
| Blakeslee Stadium | 6,000 + 1,500 Portable |
| Bresnan Arena (in Taylor Center) | 4800 |
| Centennial Student Union Ballroom (capacity varies by set up) | <886 |
| Elias J. Halling Recital Hall (located in the Earley Center for Performing Arts) |
350 |
| Myers Fieldhouse (bleachers only) |
3,000 |
| Ostrander Auditorium (Centennial Student Union) | 349 |
| Ruth Schellberg Gymnasium (bleachers only) |
350 |
| Ted Paul Theatre | 539 |
| Trafton Auditorium C - 121 | 339 |
| Trafton Auditorium C - 124 | 145 |
| Wiecking Auditorium | 267 |
