putnamjb@lopers.unk.edu

Warner Hall, formerly known as Founders Hall, was constructed on campus in 1978. The original design for the building was academic departments with an open concept heating system.

Inefficiecies became a problem for the building from the start. The heating system relied on fluorescent lighting and body heat. 

Founders Hall was renamed Warner Hall in 2017 to honor legislators Charles and Jerome Warner. The Warners were instrumental in the development of campus and Kearney becoming part of the University of Nebraska system.

Upcoming renovations are expected for the building.

“We partnered with the legislature,” said Jon Watts, vice chancellor of business and finance. “This was to try to extend and address deferred maintenance needs on the campus. By making this five million dollar investment now, we’ll likely extend the useful life of this building easily another 30 to 40 years.”

Both students and faculty will benefit from the time and money put forward to maintaining structures across campus such as Warner Hall and the Calvin T. Library.

“Addressing the needs of deferred maintenance in our buildings will extend their useful life and service to students,” Watts said.

Currently Warner Hall’s office vent structures are being analyzed in preparation for the renovation.  A mechanical system is being designed to serve the administrative offices that are currently occupying Warner Hall.