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After more than a year under construction, two beloved residence halls — Hilleboe and Kittelsby (or HillKitt) — reopened for students in the fall semester of 2025, blending historic charm with modern updates for a new generation of Oles.

“The first priority during this project was to improve safety for both Hilleboe and Kittelsby,” says St. Olaf Director of Facilities Kevin Larson, who oversaw the renovation. “The second priority was to improve the student experience, from things like the building’s appearance to its sustainability and energy efficiency.”

Both residence halls now have updated finishes, remodeled restrooms, new interior and exterior windows and doors, and a new HVAC system. Each room has cool dry air, LED lighting, updated WiFi access, controllable hot water heat, and an operable window.

The dorm also sports updated kitchens, lounges, and bathrooms. In addition, as per the priority on safety, the residence halls also have updated fire detection and prevention measures. 

Larson emphasizes that preserving the history of these buildings was an important factor during the renovation process. 

“We kept the basic structure of the buildings,” he adds. “The layout of the building is the same as it was when it was first built. We kept the historical amenities too, like the fireplace in the commons.”

Larson notes that honoring the buildings’ history wasn’t just important from a construction standpoint, but also presented an opportunity to recognize the people for whom they were named.

“There’s a plaque as you enter Kittelsby that shows the date and dedication of [Agnes] Kittelsby.”

Hilleboe Hall — dedicated to Gertrude Hilleboe ‘1912 in October of 1951 — and Kittelsby Hall — dedicated to Agnes Kittelsby ‘1900 in October of 1957 — were both named after women who contributed greatly to the ideals of St. Olaf. Hilleboe was the college’s first dean of women and an advocate for women’s rights, female participation in athletics and government, and safety for women on campus. 

Kittelsby taught at St. Olaf for 10 years (1904–14), before moving to China as a missionary. She served as one of the first connections between St. Olaf and China, taking important steps to strengthen foreign relations and exchange programs.

Alongside the physical updates, St. Olaf also refreshed the visual and thematic “branding” of the dorms — from signage to color palettes — to reinforce the feeling of home and community.

St. Olaf Director of Creative Services Fernando Sevilla has been overseeing the branding refresh that has been taking place in Hilleboe, Kittelsby, New Hall, the first-year dorms, and Buntrock Commons. 

Sevilla explains how the refreshed branding and atmosphere help create a welcoming environment for new students. 

“For first-year students, this is their first impression of living on the Hill, so it felt like a natural place to start,” Sevilla says. “How does it make a difference when you start living in a place where you’ll spend the next four years during such a transcendental time of your life? We wanted the building’s to say ‘Welcome home.’ This is their house and they get to own it too.” 

He notes that eventually, all residence halls will receive a similar update on the interior as Hilleboe and Kittelsby — but they were first for a very practical reason.

“Since HillKitt was already being renovated, there was an opportunity to start working on the branding right away,” Sevilla says.

He adds that he used a familiar sentiment to convey a sense of belonging for sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

“The difference [in branding] is subtle, but, instead of saying, ‘Welcome to the Hill,’ we’re using more of a message of, ‘The Hill is Home,’” Sevilla says. “It’s less of a welcome because upperclassmen were already here, but it’s still a reminder that we want this to be their home and that this place should feel like it.”

With these updates, Hilleboe and Kittelsby now serve as both a tribute to the college’s past and a reflection of its ongoing commitment to creating inclusive, comfortable spaces where Oles can thrive.