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
By Ira Hackner April 17, 2026
When life safety, code compliance, and seamless integration are critical, experience matters. At W. L. Hall Company, we bring decades of expertise delivering advanced fire, smoke, and security door systems—helping architects, contractors, and building owners achieve both performance and design intent without compromise. What Sets Us Apart Deep Expertise in Life Safety Systems Our team understands the complexity behind fire and smoke containment. From early design through final installation, we help ensure every system meets stringent code requirements—including NFPA, IBC, and local jurisdiction standards—while maintaining functionality and aesthetics. Design-Assist Collaboration from Day One We engage early to help evaluate system selection, integration, and constructability: Aligning fire and smoke protection strategies with architectural layouts Coordinating with egress pathways and building systems Identifying potential conflicts before they impact the schedule or cost Proven Experience Across Complex Projects From healthcare facilities and high-rises to airports and large public venues, we’ve successfully delivered systems in environments where safety, reliability, and coordination are paramount. Advanced Specialty Security, Fire & Smoke Doors Systems We Deliver McKEON — Fire-Rated Door Systems Built for Performance
By Ira Hackner April 2, 2026
In close collaboration with Anderson Engineering of Minnesota (Plymouth) and Greenstone Construction (Fargo), our team is helping bring their project design vision to life at the new Women’s Clinic at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. As we near completion of this project, we are delivering a highly specialized glazing package engineered to meet the rigorous performance and security requirements of Department of Defense (DoD) design standards. This project required far more than a conventional façade solution—it demanded a carefully engineered system capable of balancing security, performance, and architectural intent within a blast-mitigated environment. The completed VA Women’s Clinic will provide a wide range of healthcare services specifically for women Veterans, including primary care, whole health, mental health, reproductive health, and specialized care for conditions related to military service. The new facility is thoughtfully designed to centralize all women’s healthcare services in a dedicated location, with its own exterior entrance to enhance accessibility, privacy, and the patient experience.
By Ira Hackner March 26, 2026
MSP Airport Terminal 2 Expansion in Progress — See How We’re Delivering We are proud to be working on the Terminal 2 North Gate Expansion at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport—in close collaboration with Miller Dunwiddie Architects and Morcon Construction (Fridley) — to help bring their complex, high-visibility design to life.
By Ira Hackner March 17, 2026
Collaboration in Action: Bringing the HCMC Green Building Vision to Life
By Ira Hackner March 3, 2026
In collaboration with Studio BV Architects (Minneapolis) and Mission Construction (Minneapolis), we helped bring their design goals to life for Livefront’s Hospitality Lounge — realizing a vision centered on innovation, flexibility, and modern collaboration.
By Ira Hackner February 18, 2026
Luminous Barrisol® ceilings and walls use color-changing LED technology to shape atmosphere and support how a space is used throughout the day. Neutral tones suit everyday operations, while richer brand colors can highlight events, milestones, or special moments. Warmer hues create a welcoming feel for evening use or guest receptions, with digital controls allowing lighting to evolve as branding or needs change—without physical alterations. Extending the same approach into the vertical plane, Barrisol® luminous walls are built on a lightweight aluminum framework, with integrated lighting and translucent membranes. The result is a clean, softly glowing architectural surface that delivers uniform, glare-free illumination and visual calm. When ceilings and walls shift color in sync, the space gains depth and rhythm, subtly reinforcing brand presence and guiding movement through key areas without relying on signage.
By Ira Hackner February 5, 2026
Integrated Building Systems at the Ramsey Water Treatment Plant
By Ira Hackner January 30, 2026
Raydoor Systems | Shaping Space Elegantly
By Ira Hackner January 22, 2026
Design Intent Delivered through Integrated Systems at Carlson School of Management
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.