W. L. Hall Company's University of Minnesota Walter Library

Glass & Glazing Historical Restoration Project Spotlight

W. L. Company U of M walter library glass & glazing restoration

The University of Minnesota's East Bank campus in Minneapolis, MN, is home to the historic Walter Library. This architectural masterpiece was first constructed in 1924 and is now the site of the College of Science and Engineering Library and Dean's Office, the Digital Technology and Digital Media Centers, the Learning Resources Center, and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute.

w. l. hall company premier exterior and exterior systems provider in the upper midwest u of mn walter library

Located on the beautiful Northrop Mall at the heart of the University of Minnesota's campus in Minneapolis, the Walter Library is a magnificent structure surrounded by the university's physics, mathematics, chemistry, and administration buildings, as well as Northrop Auditorium.


๏ปฟAs one of the largest libraries on campus, it is a popular destination for students seeking a tranquil space to study and learn, with an impressive 1,647,162 annual visitors.

w. l. hall company premier exterior and exterior systems provider in the upper midwest u of mn walter library glass glazing

When Mortenson Construction and the University of Minnesota sought a trusted partner for the glass and glazing historical restoration of the Walter Library, they turned to W. L. Hall Company. Recognizing our expertise in finding innovative solutions that meet current codes for wind resistance and safety while also preserving the architectural integrity of buildings, Mortenson and the U of M entrusted us with this important project.

w. l. hall company premier exterior and exterior systems provider in the upper midwest u of mn walter library glass glazing

Upon careful consideration, W. L. Hall Company determined that utilizing Wausau Window Systems would be the optimal solution for preserving the building's architectural authenticity and fulfilling code compliance requirements.

w. l. hall company premier exterior and exterior systems provider in the upper midwest u of mn walter library glass glazing

Mortenson Construction and the University of Minnesota expressed satisfaction with W. L. Hall Company's project management, adherence to schedule, preservation of historical integrity, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal achieved through installing Wausau Windows in the Walter Library glass and glazing restoration project.

๏ปฟ

We are happy to offer a complimentary consultation to assist you in bringing your design vision to life.

W. L. Hall Company's University of Minnesota Walter Library Glass & Glazing Historical Restoration Project Spotlight

More Space for More Care — Expansion at CentraCare Plaza in St. Cloud

By Ira Hackner • January 15, 2026
Here is a look at a current healthcare project we are actively working on, showcasing our expertise in complex glazing, interior systems, and construction coordination—the CentraCare Plaza Expansion in St. Cloud, Minnesota. We are collaborating closely with RSP Architects (Minneapolis) and McGough Construction (St. Paul) to help bring the CentraCare Plaza Expansion design to life. From the outset, their project teams carefully factored the complex functional and operational requirements of expanded outpatient and specialty care into the overall design, ensuring each building system supports both architectural intent and long-term performance.

A Ceiling System that Provides BOTH Light and Sound Attenuation

By Ira Hackner • January 7, 2026
For the executive conference room hallway at Boston Scientific Arden Hills, (Building 5, Floor 3) RSP Architects (Minneapolis) and Cobeck Construction (St. Paul) project teams established clear priorities from the outset: to create a visually striking, polished ceiling experience appropriate for a high-visibility executive corridor, while also providing effective acoustic sound absorption to control noise transfer from the adjacent conference room. We worked closely with the RSP and Cobeck project teams to bring their design goals to life through a refined, high-performing ceiling solution.

Two Recent Zona® LYNX Telescopic Glass Wall Projects Showcase Flexible Design

By Ira Hackner • December 18, 2025
We are pleased to highlight two recently completed ZONA® LYNX telescoping glass wall projects, each tailored to the specific functional demands of its space. Working closely with the architects involved, we helped bring each project's design vision to reality, delivering precision ZONA installations that support flexibility, transparency, and long-term performance across both professional office and high-traffic environments. Both projects feature 3/8" clear laminated glass with a clear anodized finish, providing a consistent balance of durability, safety, and refined aesthetics. Below is a brief overview of each project and the unique advantages the ZONA LYNX system brings to each application.

Glass & Glazing Project in Progress – Boston Scientific's Weaver Lake 4 Expansion

By Ira Hackner • December 11, 2025
We are fortunate to be engaged in a wide range of projects across the Upper Midwest at any given time—each one highlighting the diversity of systems and solutions we provide. Today, we’re pleased to spotlight one of the major glazing projects we are currently involved in: the Boston Scientific – Weaver Lake 4 Expansion. We are proud to be actively progressing on this expansion, delivering advanced glass and glazing solutions for a project that continues to elevate one of Minnesota's most impactful medical device campuses. Collaborating with HGA Architects (Minneapolis) and Ryan Companies Construction (Minneapolis), our team is helping turn their design intent into a fully engineered, constructable glazing system—one that delivers long-term performance, clean aesthetics, and exceptional durability for Boston Scientific.

Air Leakage Is a Silent Energy Killer. One Rolling Door Is Finally Addressing It Head-On

By Ira Hackner • November 21, 2025
Most building professionals know that air leakage is one of the biggest performance failures in commercial buildings. What is less understood is this: Air leakage doesn't move in only one direction. It can move inward (infiltration) or outward (exfiltration) — and each direction carries its own set of energy, comfort, and moisture-control consequences. Even worse, rolling doors have historically been among the weakest points of the building envelope.

Daylighting, Durability & Performance: Why the Thief River Falls Regional Airport Chose Kalwall

By Ira Hackner • November 14, 2025
Daylighting, Durability & Performance: Why the Thief River Falls Regional Airport Chose Kalwall

Four Xcel Energy Facilities: Powered by Kalwall

By Ira Hackner • November 7, 2025
We truly enjoyed working with HCM Architects (Minneapolis), TKDA Architects (Bloomington), Knutson Construction (Minneapolis), and McGough (St. Paul), who brought four new Xcel Energy service facilities — in Chanhassen, Onalaska (WI), St. Cloud, and St. Paul–Maplewood. We helped bring their design visions to life with Kalwall’s advanced translucent daylighting systems, which elevate energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and thermal performance.

AIA Minnesota Excellence in Design for Energy Award Lakewood Cemetery's Welcome Center

By Ira Hackner • October 30, 2025
AIA Minnesota Excellence in Design for Energy Award Lakewood Cemetery's Welcome Center

2025 Rethos Historic Rehabilitation Award Winner Landmark Tower Apartments (St. Paul) Conversion

By Ira Hackner • October 20, 2025
2025 Rethos Historic Rehabilitation Award Winner | Landmark Tower Apartments (St. Paul) Conversion

Innovative Daylighting Across Office and Warehouse: ๏ปฟKalwall Transforms Agralite’s HQ

By Ira Hackner • October 6, 2025
We were pleased to collaborate with Mohagen Hansen Architecture (Wayzata, MN) and Gardner Builders (Minneapolis) to bring their design vision for Agralite Electric Cooperative’s new 63,000-square-foot headquarters in Benson, MN, to life—featuring the innovative use of Kalwall® daylighting systems in both the office space and the warehouse.