Centennial Hall, the first new academic building on campus since 1974, opened in fall 2011. The 189,000-square-foot building fills a need for classroom space, while offering advanced technology, flexible seating and a sustainable design.

The building is located in the center of campus and holds 46 classrooms, including two 250 seat auditoriums and various academic and student advising departments.  A large, open entryway in the building opens up to the Hall of Nations. The room will hold flags from 44 countries, representing the diversity of UW-L’s international students.

Modern furnishings, carpets, and other interior design elements were selected by a committee of UW-L students, faculty and staff who toured other institutions to find a style that would fit Centennial Hall.

Outside of the facility, rain gardens capture rainfall from the roof to divert it from the storm sewer system and allow it to soak into groundwater. Solar panels on the roof soak up the sun’s rays to heat the water in the building. Natural light fills 90 percent of the building’s spaces, which greatly reduces the amount of artificial light needed. These concepts and others contribute to the sustainable design of the building — built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating.

The water heating system and LEED certification were funded by student funds earned in profits from campus vending machines.