By the end of this month, the Mission Hills Mansion will be fully renovated.

The building has been vacant since August 1992, and the theme for this project has focused on renovation, not remodeling.

The Missouri Southern Alumni Association has coordinated with Charles Nodler, University archivist and Brad Belk, executive director of the Joplin Museum Comlex, to study photographs of the original Mansion.

“We’ve tried to restore it as original as possible,” said Dr. Terri Agee, vice president for business affairs. “The original budget was $1.2 million, for interior and exterior renovations and we are right on track. We had a pretty good idea going into it, we knew it would have to be done with a lot of TLC and it’s really gone beautifully.”

With the same materials as the original, like copper and tiling, the bids for the interior are open to the public. The University has invited approximately 10 architects to choose specific pieces of the project and the deadline is April 11.

“We are acting as the contractor,” Agee said. “We are overseeing, with much love, the renovation.”

The Mansion will not only be a piece of Southern history, but house the Alumni Association offices and special events. There will be an open patio area in the back and reception areas downstairs. The kitchen will not be used entirely, but will be used for catering. The front gates that once stood on the east side of the Mansion will be implemented into the project but currently lay in a side room.

“This is a fun project,” said Tim Dodge, the facilities planner. “We’re going to be able to turn back the clock.”

Also working on this project is Bob Harrington, director of the physical plant. However, since an accident during the January ice storm, he has worked from his home. His temporary disability has not affected his work ethic.

“I keep GroupWise up on my laptop and I keep in close contact with my guys over there,” he said. “They never hesitate to call.”

Harrington also met at his home with staff members, including Dodge, to review plans for the Mansion.

“I’ve got a great staff and they go out of their way to get the job done,” Harrington said.

Lee Elliff Pound, director of the Alumni Association, said this project will keep historical integrity. There are hand-painted cabinet doors, which will not be touched, and the original radiators will remain in the rooms even though the Mansion will have a new heating and cooling system.

“We’re excited,” Pound said. “We need it, the school needs it and it’s good for Missouri Southern. This would not be possible had it not been for the Alumni Board, the volunteers, the Strategic Planning Committee and the donors.”

Agee shares the same enthusiasm.

“You can’t help but get excited,” she said.

The open house tour will be at 1:30 to 4 p.m. on April 29 open to the public.

“We encourage anyone who’s interested to come out and see it,” Pound said.