Group to look at MSU-Bottineau building's future

BOTTINEAU (AP) - A committee of 10 people from around the community is being formed to discuss the future of the historic Old Main building on the Minot State University branch campus here.

The group will decide how the building will be used if the college decides to leave it standing.

Ken Grosz, executive dean of the Bottineau campus, said people have expressed interest in using Old Main as an auditorium.

The 101-year-old building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Officials estimate it would cost about $2.7 million to completely recondition the building.

All of the money would have to come from private sources.

The state Legislature two years ago provided $2.5 million for an addition to the college's Thatcher Hall, but indicated no more funds would be forthcoming to renovate Old Main.