UWs Hoyt Hall Receives New Look

A 100-year-old University of Wyoming building has received a makeover in time for the fall semester.

Hoyt Hall underwent structural repairs last fall, with a major renovation that occurred to the interior of the building during the spring semester and through the summer.

Built originally in 1916 as a women’s dormitory, Hoyt Hall is the home of UW’s Department of English, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, and Creative Writing Program.

The three departments will host an open house reception to celebrate the building’s renovation Friday, Sept. 9, from noon-2 p.m. A brief dedication ceremony will take place outside the main west door of Hoyt Hall at noon, followed by refreshments and tours of the building.

Peter Parolin, UW Department of English chair, says Hoyt Hall was overdue for a major upgrade.

“The lighting was terrible in hallways and classrooms; the network wiring was generations out of date; and the building as a whole failed to meet ADA standards,” he says.

The $2.9 million renovation included life-safety and accessibility improvements as required by the building code, and enhancements to interior finishes in faculty and staff offices, classrooms, study areas and other building spaces. The work also included energy-efficient upgrades to current lighting, restroom renovations, installation of new electrical and data systems wiring, and replacement of the existing fire alarm system.

“One of the nicest things about the improvements to Hoyt is that the designers have honored the historical qualities of this 100-year-old building with carefully selected paint schemes and details, yet it is fully up-to-date with efficient lighting, technology and ADA access,” says Joy Landeira, UW Department of Modern and Classical Languages chair.

Before the major renovation project began in January 2016, structural repairs -- at a cost of $400,000 -- were made to the basement-level steel columns during fall 2015.

Parolin says the improvements have produced a safer and more functional building.

“All of our classrooms have been renovated, and some have been redesigned with the result that Hoyt Hall has much friendlier, more flexible teaching spaces with all the benefits of 21st century technology,” he says. “In addition to its historic charm, Hoyt now possesses the essential features of a modern university building.”

Arcon Inc. of Laramie completed the structural repairs to Hoyt Hall. Elk Ridge Builders & Design LLC of Laramie received the contract for the renovation of the building. MOA Architecture of Casper completed the architectural design for the project.