As part of the construction projects throughout Kent State’s main campus, both Harbourt and Heer halls will avoid demolition and are instead undergoing renovation.

In Fall 2010, the Kent State Board of Trustees approved a $5 million project to rehabilitate Heer Hall and a $5.3 million project to renovate Harbourt Hall. Both are former residence halls the university built in 1967.

Kent and other neighboring city fire departments are using Heer Hall before improvements begin. Firefighters are utilizing the vacant building for various rescue and survival training exercises.

Harbourt Hall will be the new building for the Office of the University Architect and Facilities Planning and Operations, according to the University Architect’s website. Heer Hall will house the administrative offices for the Division of Human Resources, which are currently in the Terrace Hall Annex.

The vacant residence halls will undergo improvements to the public areas as well as upgrades to the electrical distribution, ventilation and fire alarm systems. Harbourt Hall will also receive a new exterior lobby.

Construction is on pace to be complete before the fall semester begins in August.

Contact Summer Kent Stater reporter Morgan Wright at [email protected].