Renovated residence hall reopens at Missouri university

Lincoln University of Missouri in Jefferson City has reopened Dawson Hall after a $23 million renovation of the 10-story student housing facility.

The university says the upgrades include bright, glass-walled study nooks, a spacious first-floor lounge, a convenience store with grab-and-go dining options, an esports arena, enhanced sound insulation, and modern heating and cooling systems with individual thermostats.

Opened in 1970 as Tower Hall and later renamed for former University President Earl E. Dawson, the residence hall is the tallest building on campus. Lincoln closed the facility in 2023 and gutted the building for a complete makeover.

In its updated iteration, Dawson Hall has space to house 360 primarily first-year students in double-occupancy rooms.

The architect is Grace Design Studios (formerly Hastings + Chivetta), and the construction manager is S.M. Wilson.