Capital Projects in Progress

The Chapel of Reconciliation is at the heart of Augustana University's campus. Built in 1981, the chapel is in need of renovation and expansion to continue to effectively serve all who enter it.

The project will enhance the entire campus and strengthen the spiritual life of the Augustana community for generations. Key elements of the renovation include:

• The Sanctuary — featuring a wall of new east-facing windows that bathe the space in natural light, along with upgraded lighting and a state-of-the-art audiovisual system.
• The Narthex — a bright gathering area that offers welcome to all who enter. The space will be the new home to select pieces of the restored Paul Rogness ’58 Memorial Reredos, an iconic work by Professor Emeritus of Art Robert “Bob” Aldern ’51.
• Campus Pastors Office Suite — a refreshed space to support pastoral care, vocational discernment, leadership development and spiritual well-being.
• The Gathering Space — a beautiful new community room designed for creative worship, community gatherings, Bible studies and receptions.
• The Patio — a vibrant new outdoor gathering space extending from the chapel to the commons, where students and visitors can connect.
• The Bell Tower — a symbolic new anchor at the center of campus, will serve as the visible and audible heartbeat of Augustana.

The project was envisioned by Koch Hazard Architects and is being led by Beck & Hofer Construction of Sioux Falls. Construction began in May 2025 and is expected to be complete in April 2026.

The Elmen Center, named in honor of the Elmen family, opened in February 1989. The 81,000 square-foot facility, which hosts more than 100 events annually, is in need of revitalization.

Donations from the Elmen Center Family Foundations and others will allow Augustana to reimagine the Elmen Center — elevating the experience for students, coaches, fans and visitors alike. The revitalization will focus on the most highly-used areas of the facility. In Phase I of the project, updates to the Elmen Center will include a new competition floor, chairback seating, premium seating options, enhanced lighting, as well as upgraded sound and audio visual capabilities.

With the funds already received, Augustana will begin making updates in Spring 2025 with the anticipated project completion by Summer 2026. The university will continue to seek additional support for the project and hopes to continue renovation beyond Phase I to include the remainder of the building.

In April 2025, Augustana broke ground on Foundation Heights, a new apartment building for students. The approximately $12 million project is part of the university’s strategic plan to transform the physical campus to include new and enhanced facilities.

Designed by VanDeWalle Architects LLC, the project is being developed in partnership with Lloyd Companies. As a member of the Augustana Board of Trustees (BOT) and an honorary alumnus, the project was inspired by the late Craig Lloyd.

Foundation Heights, located on the northeast corner of 28th Street and Grange Avenue, will house more than 100 students. The building will consist of four stories with primarily 2- and 4-bedroom suites, as well as 13 single units. Similar to Augustana’s newest residence hall — Ralph H. Wagoner Hall — the building’s first floor will have both living and office spaces, along with a lounge, lobby and elevator.

Construction on Foundation Heights is expected to be complete by Fall 2026.