Multi-Ethnic Resource Center part of University of Minnesota's 2023 capital request

The Multi-Ethnic Resource Center (MRC) on the University of Minnesota Morris campus would get essential updates as part of a $3.3 million capital bonding request at the Minnesota legislature.

Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck) and Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) have introduced bills in the Minnesota House and Senate (H.F. 1433/S.F. 1646) to provide state bonding to improve accessibility and upgrade life safety and building systems in the building, the oldest on the campus.

According to UMN Morris Vice Chancellor for Finance and Facilities Bryan Herrmann, the state funding would allow for the addition of an elevator to make all three floors of the building accessible, to update bathroom facilities throughout the building, and to complete energy-saving retrofits to the heating and cooling system. These improvements will allow the campus both to better serve students and to maximize the useful life of this historic building.

Constructed in 1899, the MRC is a hub for Equity, Diversity and Intercultural Programs. The essential campus resources and programs housed in the building are frequently visited by students. It is the only campus building original to the Native American boarding school era.

Herrmann says the building has received only minor modifications over the years, mostly cosmetic updates such as paint and carpeting. In 2000, a ramp was constructed to create an accessible entrance to the basement of the building. The other two floors remain inaccessible. Additionally, there is no accessible bathroom in the building.

Learn more about the MRC bonding request here: https://youtu.be/wCg9wzSlVR4.

In addition to the MRC project, UMN Morris has several capital improvement projects included in the University of Minnesota's 2023 Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) capital bonding request.

The Morris campus projects are focused on preserving and renewing campus infrastructure to improve accessibility. The total request for Morris includes 16 renovation and repair projects for $5.9 million or approximately 3% of the total HEAPR request from the University of Minnesota. The Morris improvements include roof replacement and exterior upgrades, HVAC, and bathroom updates for several buildings, including the widely used Briggs Library; and upgrades to campus-wide infrastructure such as storm and sanitary sewer.

Receive updates on UMN Morris legislative issues, periodic calls to action, and other events by joining the UMN Advocates.