Ivan Panov & Nhat Linh Dang
The sweeping renovation and expansion of previously named Doane Hall, one of campus’s most prominent and historic buildings, positions Denison to make major steps toward
integrating data across the curriculum.
Announced in October 2025, the newly named Knobel Hall and the King Center for Data and Innovation building is now nearing completion.
To offer a clearer picture of the building’s future design and how it compares to the original Doane Hall, a special tour of the construction site was conducted with Dr. Ricardo Hall,
Holly Breymaier, Dr. Nicole Ausmer, Dr. Katherine Snyder and Dr. Mick Vetere-Earley.
The renovation is in progress, with completion expected by August 2026 and an opening planned for students and faculty in the fall 2026 semester.
Jeremie Tinto, a construction project manager who oversaw the renovation from January 2025, noted during the tour that the historic building remains largely unchanged in appearance.
“The one thing that really sets it off differently from what you see here is this new front entrance,” Tinto said. “It’s an accessible entrance.”
Faculty are expected to begin moving into the building in June, with a possibility of an earlier start. Furniture installation is scheduled to begin within a few weeks.
Entering the front entrance, visitors will first see a video screen placed in the upper right corner. Just inside the entrance, an interdisciplinary space will serve as a central area for meetings and collaboration.
Tinto noted that while the exterior updates have focused on window replacements and general restoration, the interior has undergone a complete transformation.
“It’s a huge transformation on the inside,” Tinto said.
He also emphasized on the role of material choices in shaping the building atmosphere.
“I think it makes a big difference, especially the feeling when we get further and start to see some of the wood elements come in,” said Tinto.
One area of the ceiling will feature three-tiered light fixtures, adding an architectural element to the space. Nearby, three 98-inch televisions will be installed on each side of the room. Along the first-floor hallway near the front entrance, offices will be designated for department chairs, as
well as for data analytics and computer science faculty.
The building’s addition features an unusual shape that may appear to reflect purely architectural creativity. In reality, the design was carefully planned, with its form aligning with surrounding campus landmarks. As the structure progresses, its geometry squares up with Swasey Chapel and the lower floors align with the Presidents’ Drive, while a curved section opens to a panoramic view of the quad.
The building will also house one of the most technologically advanced rooms on campus. The space is equipped with nearly $1 million worth of technology, making it a significant investment. While the sciences have long featured high-cost equipment, this room represents a new level
of technological integration for the college.
As completion approaches, the Knobel building signals a new step in Denison’s focus on data and innovation.