Mobile Navigation
Main Menu

About Us

Thornton Tomasetti employees gather at a Spectrum Pride event in the office.
Main Menu

People

We have the experts to meet your challenge. Let us connect you with the specialist you need.
Contact us
Main Menu

Projects

Global experience. 
Regional perspective. 
Local impact.
Explore all projects
Main Menu

Expertise

Main Menu

Insights

Explore our latest news and perspectives.

Latest podcast

Mainstreaming Mass Timber
View all insights
Main Menu

Search

New Library and Student Resource Center Opens at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

May 08, 2026
Featured expert
komp
Jordan Komp
Senior Principal & Milwaukee Office Director
jkomp@thorntontomasetti.com +1.414.227.1496 Milwaukee
The 175,000-square-foot Gale and Paul Kirby Library and Student Resource Center replaces the former seven-story Albertson Hall with a four-story facility designed to improve access, integrate services, and support flexible use. Courtesy University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
The center brings together library collections, the university archives, student IT, career services, and financial aid in a single location.
The Stevens Point Gale and Paul Kirby Library and Student Resource Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Courtesy University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Our structural and façade engineering teams initially worked with the Wisconsin DFD, which manages state building programs, and Workshop Architects to develop a renovation and reuse plan.
The Stevens Point Gale and Paul Kirby Library and Student Resource Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Courtesy University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
The building’s interior also features architecturally exposed concrete columns and ceilings, requiring careful detailing of these elements.
The Stevens Point Gale and Paul Kirby Library and Student Resource Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Courtesy University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
We then provided structural design and façade peer review services for the four-story replacement facility, which now serves as the campus' principal library.
The Stevens Point Gale and Paul Kirby Library and Student Resource Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Courtesy University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
The staircase was designed to structurally self-supporting between floor levels, but to improve vibration performance and reduce movement, we incorporated several slender pretensioned support rods, suspended from the ceiling.
The Stevens Point Gale and Paul Kirby Library and Student Resource Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Courtesy University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point

A new hub for learning and student services has opened at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. 

The 175,000-square-foot Gale and Paul Kirby Library and Student Resource Center replaces the former seven-story Albertson Hall with a four-story facility designed to improve access, integrate services, and support flexible use. Thornton Tomasetti provided structural engineering services to Workshop Architects. 

The center brings together library collections, the university archives, student IT, career services, and financial aid in a single location. The reinforced concrete building was designed to support adaptable spaces and heavy library loads, including high-density compact archive storage on the fourth floor. A monumental spiral staircase made of architecturally exposed structural steel and suspended with hanger rods serves as a focal point.

Planning a Higher Education Facility? We can help design facilities that perform for today and adapt for the future.

Capabilities

Expertise

Structural Analysis & Design

Related Solutions

Solution

Construction Engineering

Solution

Education

Solution

Façades

Solution

Structural Design