Major renovation of Muntz Hall reaches another milestone

Phase two of a major renovation to Muntz Hall is complete. The $4 million project continues the first comprehensive renovation of the flagship building on the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College campus in more than 50 years.

The second phase covered half of the third floor in the three-story building. It completely repurposed the existing space and created 45 new faculty offices, three classrooms, four conference rooms, study spaces for students and a lounge for students who are military veterans.

Phase one, which was completed in spring 2018, was a $3.7 million project that covered the other half of the third floor and focused more on classroom space. It opened last fall with 14 new classrooms, two conference rooms and several new spaces where students can study or relax and charge their phone or laptop.

The renovation project is incorporating the latest advancements in classroom and office design, allowing the architects, engineers and designers to recreate the space to 2019 standards.

“This second phase of investment and modernization continues the plan to holistically create new learning, collaboration, and related faculty support spaces that ensure UC Blue Ash has the appropriate resources to support forward-looking pedagogies and great student outcomes,” says John K. Seibert, interim associate vice president of UC’s Planning, Design and Construction. “The continued vision to give faculty the tools for teaching and guiding students in modernized space is just part of that commitment.”

There is also a focus on shedding more light on the newly-renovated spaces. “Along with creating modern classrooms that allow for new technology, we are adding natural light to these new spaces. Nearly every classroom has windows, as well as the conference rooms and most of the new offices,” says Rob Knarr, director of facilities and campus planning at UC Blue Ash.

This major renovation will rely on state funding for completion. It could include up to six phases if full funding is approved. Work on phase three started recently and will overhaul half of the second floor in Muntz Hall, creating new classrooms, offices and study areas for students.

Muntz Hall was the only building on the campus when the college was founded in 1967. There are six academic buildings at UC Blue Ash now, but Muntz Hall remains the main building, where most administrative offices and student services are located. The original structure for the building was expanded in 1974, but it has not been updated in any significant way since then.

Top Photo: The renovation creates new offices for faculty that are grouped by academic department, making it easier for students to connect with professors.