UND | Carnegie Library Renovation

The UND Carnegie Library Building is one of the eight North Dakota libraries of the 1,689 that Andrew Carnegie funded near the turn of the 19th century. These libraries were part of Andrew Carnegie's philanthropic motion to provide the public with a way to learn for free and enable themselves to succeed. The UND building was constructed in 1907 and served as a library until 1927, when it became the University Commons. In 2018, MJBA conducted a study commissioned by UND to determine that there was enough room to have the offices of the President and Provost relocated to the Carnegie Library building. In 2019, MJBA began the design and construction administration services for the building’s exterior restoration and interior renovation. Primary historic interior characteristics include oak-paneled doors, trim and woodwork, in-laid Carrera marble entrance lobby, and higher main-floor plaster ceilings.

Phase I work focused on the demolition of the 1929 and 1944 additions to the south side of the 1913 Carnegie Library and end envelope restoration. Using two “fuzzy” early photos for historical evidence/reference, which were found in the University archives, the south façade was rebuilt to match the entire building’s exterior, replacement of the limestone front steps and cheek walls, replacement of the windows and doors and a new roof and skylight. Phase II focused on the restoration of the interior. Sitting at 250 Centennial Dr, it currently serves as the University Enrollment Services building after being used as the Home Economics Department building.