Submitted Photo Holding the scissors to cut the ribbon on Old Main improvements are, center, from left, Dr. Carmen Simone, Dakota College at Bottineau campus dean/CEO, Paige Baade, assistant dean for Nursing and Health Professions, and Dr. Steve Shirley, president for Minot State University and DCB.

BOTTINEAU – Dakota College at Bottineau cut the ribbon Monday on renovations to its Old Main building, which is home to health professions and nursing programs.

In 1889, the North Dakota Legislature voted to build a state forestry school, and in 1894, Bottineau became the chosen location. Philanthropic fundraising from generous donors established the institution. In 1907, the State Legislative Assembly raised $25,000 for building construction and commissioned architect Joseph Shannon to design the Romanesque Revival style building.

Established in 1907, Old Main is a historic building still located in the heart of DCB. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the iconic Old Main building housed the first state School of Forestry. Over the years the school’s campus has expanded, while the original building kept its nickname of Old Main.

After a new addition to Thatcher Hall was constructed in 2007, Old Main was left vacant due to the high costs of upkeep, antiquated heating and electrical infrastructure, and compartmentalized layout. For more than 10 years, DCB administration searched for ways to utilize the building while preserving its structure and history.

After careful consideration, combined with the gradual decrease in state funding and the launch of Gov. Doug Burgum’s nursing initiatives, the campaign to remodel and restore Old Main finally came to fruition. Old Main now houses the health professions and nursing classes offered by the college.