Weld Hall: Restored and Reimagined

Every campus has a place where stories begin. At Minnesota State Moorhead, that place is Weld Hall.

For more than a century, students have climbed its stairs carrying textbooks, dreams, and a healthy dose of uncertainty about what comes next. They have rehearsed lines backstage, discovered a love of literature, debated ideas with classmates, and found mentors who changed the course of their lives.

Within Weld Hall's walls, friendships have formed. Careers have taken shape. Traditions have been created. And now, as MSUM's oldest and most iconic building undergoes its most significant renovation in more than 100 years, a new chapter is being written.

A Building Built for Stories

Constructed in 1914 and named for MSUM's second president, Frank Augustine Weld, Weld Hall has always been more than bricks and mortar. President Weld believed deeply in the power of education and the arts to transform lives. In fact, when plans for the building were developed, he championed the inclusion of a grand auditorium, performance stage, and even a moving picture booth in the balcony—a bold idea at a time when films were still considered a novelty.

Legend has it that the building was initially presented to state legislators as a science facility to secure funding, while its true purpose was always broader: to create a space where ideas, creativity, and community could flourish. That vision has endured for generations. 

When Old Main was destroyed by fire in 1930, Weld Hall became a lifeline for the university, housing classes so learning could continue. Over the decades, thousands of Dragons have passed through its doors as students, performers, educators, artists, and lifelong learners.

Its hallways have witnessed moments both ordinary and extraordinary—the first day of class, standing ovations in Glasrud Auditorium, late-night rehearsals, spontaneous conversations between professors and students, and countless discoveries that changed someone's future.

Every Dragon who has spent time in Weld Hall carries a story.

Honoring the Past

Weld Hall's renovation is rooted in preserving the experiences and memories that have made it a beloved campus landmark. Among its most treasured features are the building's three historic stained-glass windows, created as a memorial to Moorhead State Teachers College students who served in World War I. Each window represents a value that continues to define the MSUM community: Self-Sacrifice, Service, and Undying Loyalty. Originally installed behind the auditorium stage, the windows were relocated during a 1969 renovation project and carefully preserved in the Livingston Lord Library for decades.

Now, they are home. Their return to Weld Hall reconnects the building to its history while offering future generations a tangible link to those who came before them. The renovation has also uncovered fascinating pieces of Weld Hall's past—from the discovery that the auditorium floor sits several inches below the surrounding hallways to architectural details hidden behind decades of renovations.

The restoration has not been without challenges. Finding materials that match those used more than a century ago required careful research and craftsmanship, but preserving Weld Hall's character has guided every decision. Brenda Norris, MSUM's executive director of facilities management, who has overseen the project for the university, said some of her favorite discoveries came from reusing original building elements. While relocating one of the original wooden columns, construction crews uncovered signatures from members of the 1915 construction team hidden on the back. The current crew added their own names before the column was installed once again, creating a remarkable connection between the people who built Weld Hall more than a century ago and those restoring it today. Norris is equally impressed by the building's craftsmanship, from its rich woodwork to the restored stained-glass windows. Although much of the building's infrastructure is new, it has been thoughtfully designed to preserve the appearance and spirit of the original structure. "It's taken a long time to get to this point," Norris said, "but the end result is going to be a beautiful space."

That same balance of history and innovation is evident throughout the renovation. Glasrud Auditorium has been meticulously restored with exceptional attention to acoustics, a sound induction loop beneath the seating to assist guests with hearing loss, and a diffused air ventilation system beneath the floor. The restored balcony, removed in the 1960s and converted into English department offices, once again brings the auditorium's seating capacity to 400. Accessibility improvements, including a new elevator serving the auditorium and stage, along with a north-side delivery entrance, ensure the building welcomes everyone. State-of-the-art classrooms equipped with collaborative technology and flexible furnishings prepare Weld Hall for the next generation of students. "I hope people come and see and use this building," Norris said. "It should be used by all departments across campus, and I hope to see it full and utilized." 

Even the campus lore lives on. As the oldest building on campus, Weld has inspired its share of legends, from stories of secret stairways to tales of mysterious lights near the stage. Whether fact or folklore, these stories have become part of the building's character, connecting generations of Dragons through shared memories and traditions.

Creating Space for What's Next

While Weld Hall's history is remarkable, its future may be even more exciting. The $23 million renovation is transforming the building into a vibrant, accessible hub for learning, creativity, and community engagement. When Weld Hall reopens in fall 2026, visitors will find innovative classrooms designed for collaboration, state-of-the-art learning technology, and flexible spaces that support the ways students learn today.

The building will become home to the Department of English, the Dean's Suite for the College of Arts and Humanities, and the Honors College. “Having taught and celebrated student films in Glasrud Auditorium for many years, I’ve experienced firsthand how Weld Hall brings stories to life,” said Kyja Kristjansson-Nelson. “Now, as Dean, I’m honored to help carry Weld’s founding mission forward, as a place where creativity, curiosity, and community flourish for a new generation of students.”

Glasrud Auditorium is being thoughtfully restored to blend historic charm with modern functionality. The grand balcony—a feature championed by President Weld more than a century ago—will once again welcome audiences for performances, lectures, and community events. Throughout the building, new windows, updated infrastructure, improved accessibility, and carefully restored masonry will ensure Weld Hall continues to serve generations of Dragons.

One of the most visible changes will be a welcoming new entrance facing Sixth Avenue South. For the first time, Weld Hall will open outward to the community in a new way. The redesigned entrance will make it easier for neighbors, alumni, and visitors to attend performances, conferences, town halls, and special events.

This is more than a renovation project. It's an invitation. An invitation for the community to gather. For ideas to be exchanged. For creativity to thrive. And for new stories to unfold.

Art That Connects Generations

The building's transformation includes a striking new public art installation that bridges Weld Hall's past and future. Artist April Wagner is creating After We Rose, We Soared, a suspended dragon-inspired sculpture made from hand-blown glass. Drawing inspiration from the colors and craftsmanship of the historic stained-glass windows, the piece will feature blues, greens, golds, purples, and pinks that reflect both the university's history and its aspirations. The sculpture celebrates the enduring impact of education and the power of teachers to change lives. It also serves as a reminder that every generation builds upon the stories of those who came before.

Ready for New Stories

Long after construction crews leave and the final touches are complete, Weld Hall's greatest purpose will remain unchanged. It will continue to be a place where stories begin. A first-year student may discover a lifelong passion in a classroom discussion. An aspiring performer may step onto the Glasrud Auditorium stage for the first time. A community member may attend an event that sparks a new idea or connection. An alum returning to campus may recognize a familiar space and remember the moment everything changed.

For more than 110 years, Weld Hall has helped shape the stories of countless Dragons. Now, restored for a new century, it stands ready for the stories yet to be told.