Historical Highlights: Remodel

 

Through the years, the Kirk building has gone through many renovations. In 1926, seats were installed in the auditorium, and hardwood floors were laid down. In 1932, permanent hardwood flooring replaced the movable floors. After the Kirk Gym closed in 1998, small renovations happened in 2003. Most notably, the Kirk Building closed and moved out offices in 2020. After funds were secured, large scale gutting of the entire building began in July, 2023 by Prost Builders. Once upgrades were completed, offices moved back into the building in 2025. The Truman State University Kirk Building Initiative transformed the building into a modern Student Success and SKILLS Center. Part of the initiative was assisting both Truman student's success and Kirksville residents, providing a space to make the community a better place.

 

Photo of parked construction machine under partially destroyed Kirk Auditorium stairs.

New Additions:

  • Third floor addition
  • Complete restructure of Kirk Gym into Forum
  • New office spaces
  • Modernizing spaces to allow for accessibility

Preserved Construction:

  • Original marble staircase
  • Ornamental plaster work
  • Early 20th century brick exterior
Photo of inside entrance of Kirk Auditorium mid-demolition.
Photo of Kirk Auditorium stage mid-demolition.
Photo of Kirk Auditorium with new stadium steps being set up.
Photo of door with brick peeking out during demolition of Kirk Building.
Photo of Kirk Building hallway with beams holding up walls.
Photo of peeling green and white paint in the Kirk Building.