First look at new renderings of UW-Whitewater’s Winther and Heide halls
April 24, 2025
Written by Chris Lindeke and Jeff Angileri | Photos renderings submitted
Plans to renovate Winther Hall, the home of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s College of Education and Professional Studies, are underway.
Funds for the project — a final budget just over $89 million — were approved as part of a capital budget bill by the state legislature on Feb. 22 and signed into law by Governor Tony Evers on March 6.
Spaces shared in the renderings include student study areas, open labs and lecture halls that contain updated technology to support modern teaching methods. That teaching in turn addresses a crucial workforce need in the state and the region, as UW-Whitewater licenses the most teachers in Wisconsin through its teacher education programs.
“The new spaces in Winther Hall will be critical to student success,” said Lana Collet-Klingenberg, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. “By educating future teachers more efficiently using contemporary teaching methods that are attainable in these labs, work rooms, and other areas, we are investing in the future of education — our Warhawks’ impact can be that much greater.”
Construction is slated to begin in April 2026, and classes are anticipated to resume in the building in spring 2029.
Renovations to Heide Hall, home to numerous classrooms, lecture halls and offices, are also part of the project. The building will receive roof and window replacements and new elevators as part of the project.
See below for renderings provided by Somerville Architects + Engineers, the project architect.
Lobby
The updated lobby inside Winther Hall will allow for better wayfinding and more efficient use of space for students, faculty and staff.
Student study area
Updated study areas in Winther Hall will allow students to work collaboratively in a convenient space.
Open Lab
Open labs in Winther Hall offer flexibility and adaptability to changing learning needs and promote interdisciplinary interaction for students.
Lecture Hall
A view from the front of a lecture hall inside Winther Hall. Updated lecture halls will allow instructors to teach students using up-to-date technology, including the resources used in the classrooms where students will eventually teach.
Exterior
Winther Hall exterior. (Rendering)
Northwest side of Heide Hall, highlighting window replacements planned for the project. (Rendering)
