EOU’s Historic Building Set for Year-long Renovation

EOU’s Historic Building Set for Year-long Renovation

June 1, 2023 – Eastern Oregon University’s Inlow Hall Phase II renovation, slated to begin July 1, aims to bring much-needed updates to the University’s original building.

The project will bring the building’s seismic resilience up to code, provide new heating, ventilation and air conditioning throughout the facility, upgrade information technology and audio/visual systems, and update the roof and weather envelope. Phase I of the renovation was completed in 2009 and included remodeling of the first floor and other interior updates. 

“We want to update Inlow into a modern space for learning and collaboration while preserving the building as a symbol of Eastern Oregon’s rural history,” said Tim Seydel, vice president of university advancement. “This building is incredibly important for so many reasons, from the founding of our institution to educating students. It is important that we take care of our facilities and ensure they can continue to be used for many years.”

During the renovation, which will take place from July 1 to late summer 2024, offices and classrooms housed in Inlow Hall will be temporarily relocated across campus. The building, surrounding walkways, and upper parking lot off 12th Street will be closed. The lower parking lot off 12th Street will remain open. Updated office locations will be made available through signage on campus and on the university website at eou.edu.

“The planning team focused on student impact during the renovation,” said Seydel. “We are locating student-facing offices, including admissions, student accounts, financial aid, and the Registrar’s office, in the Gilbert Center, to centralize access to the most-used student services.”   

Initially known as the “Admin Building,” and later named for EOU’s first president, the facility was the only structure in place when the school opened in 1929. In the years that followed, Inlow Hall has served as a hub for academic, administrative and student support services and has housed EOU’s theater as well as classrooms and online education.

The project was funded through state bonds and other sources including the State Energy Loan Program. The renovation plans to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiencies into the building. 
To stay updated on the Inlow Hall renovation and to see where departments will be relocated, visit eou.edu/inlow-hall-renovation.