“We’re trying to improve all space on campus, including dormitories, classrooms, labs — it’s all part of making MSU a better place,” said Doug Gage, director of the Office of Interdisciplinary Research and Internal Grants.

The project will renovate existing offices to create conference space, collaborative work space, offices and support areas. It will include sustainable materials, and natural lighting to reduce energy consumption, said Dan Bollman, acting director of Engineering and Architectural Services with MSU Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Facilities.

Bollman said the research enterprise at MSU has nearly doubled over the past decade in external research funding, with the objective to double again over the next six years. This amplifies the immediate need to create an efficient, sustainable, professional environment that conveys a proper image for MSU.

“They haven’t been done in years and years because the state doesn’t give us very much money and our students come first,” said MSU Trustee Faylene Owen, explaining that the offices set for renovation haven’t been altered since the 1960s. “It gets to a point that buildings are so old that you have no choice but to renovate.”

As MSU’s research activity continues to grow, there are more people in and out of the office, including people from corporations, the government, and national and international institutions, Gage said.

“We’re moving from a traditional office arrangement that’s not set up for interaction … It’s all about improving the workflow,” Gage said. “We’re going to have more glass, more open space and additional conference rooms.”

Gage added the graduate studies office moved out of its 1950s-style suite in August to a temporary location on the third floor of the building. The renovations should be complete in March 2014.

“We’re a couple generations behind the president’s and provost’s offices,” he added.

The project also will move the Sparty’s Convenience Store entrance to the north end of the building.