Located at the heart of the University of North Dakota’s historic quad, the Chester Fritz Library represents the heart of academic life on campus. Constructed in 1962 and centrally located on the UND campus, the Chester Fritz Library is the largest library in the state of North Dakota and the primary research facility for UND and the region. As a campus landmark, the Chester Fritz Library is Collegiate Gothic in style and on the National Register of Historic Places. It supports more than 225 fields of undergraduate study and over 100 graduate degree and certificate programs.

The University of North Dakota hired ICON to provide master planning and renovation services for the Chester Fritz Library to renovate the interior with the intent of increasing the facility’s capacity, functionality, and efficiency to maximize the use of the building’s space. The project includes updating the current facility focusing on infrastructure and aesthetics. The project will include the appropriate reuse of existing resources, improved space design to better support current pedagogies, collection management, and the current study. Current and future technology trends will also be incorporated throughout the building.

While renovating the library, we understand the importance of preserving the historical symbolism that the building holds while also generating greater efficiencies and visibility and generating more use by the students. The intent of the renovations is to improve access to knowledge support, and promote research, focus, collaboration, creation, and dialogue. As academics evolve, we understand the increased need for spaces that foster both social and academic success. This project will simplify access to services and create a welcoming experience from both the tower entrance and the quad entrance.

• Improved internal circulation
o New grand stair at main entrance
o New stair at South entrance
o New elevator
o Relocation of guest services
• Renovation of interior spaces
o Relocation of University I.T. support to library for student convenience
o Renovation of main reading/study room (the “Fishbowl”)
o Renovation of primary meeting spaces
o New flooring, ceilings, and paint throughout
• Construction of new South entrance tower for visibility from the quad
• Wide variety of furniture systems to allow for privacy while studying
• Addition of a new Virtual Reality laboratory to allow UND to be at the forefront of integrating this technology into students’ learning experiences
• Addition of a self-serve café near main entrance
• Replacement of all windows and exterior entrances