As the search continues for a successor to the ISU presidency, renovations to the administrator’s traditional residence are expected to get underway this fall. The Knoll, which sits just east of the Memorial Union, will undergo a $950,000 renovation to improve its efficiency. After former ISU President Martin Jischke and his wife Patty moved into the house, which was built in 1900 as a residential structure, it has operated as much more than a residence. The Jischkes hosted numerous university functions and entertained about 9,000 people last year. “As the first floor became increasingly used for university functions, recreational dinners and entertaining, the actual living space for the president’s family . became quite inadequate,” Jischke said in a phone interview from Purdue University. “I do think there is substantial need for improvement.” Jischke’s departure opened a window of opportunity to complete the renovations while no family is living in the Knoll. Interim President Richard Seagrave will not move into the house. “When President Jischke announced his decision to leave Iowa State, the Board of Regents authorized the university to move ahead with the plans,” said Warren Madden, vice president for Business and Finance. “Our goal is to renovate before the new president moves in. This is an opportune time to do it, and the renovations are fairly extensive.” The renovations will be funded entirely by private donations, said Tom Mitchell, president of the ISU Foundation. “The fundraising has been completed, and we are now in a very preliminary process of pulling together a committee to advise us and assist us,” Mitchell said. The interest to donate money to renovate the Knoll was stirred primarily by its publicity, he said. “As we started to go out and share the needs of the university, a lot of people resonated well to the Knoll,” Mitchell said. “President Jischke and Patty entertained a lot of alumni and friends during their tenure there, so a lot of people saw the Knoll firsthand, and they have a high level of appreciation for the history of the Knoll.” Because the Knoll will be vacant until a new president is selected and relocated to Iowa State, construction is slated to start later this fall. The Knoll will continue to be used for university functions until early October. A study of the Knoll conducted in 1997 identified areas in need of improvement. Reconstruction of the front entrance was completed in the spring of 1998 to accommodate handicapped visitors. During the upcoming phase of the renovation project, the food-service area will be remodeled, making it more suited to host dinners and banquets. The layout of the kitchen will be modified and new equipment will be installed. The north end of the Knoll will be reconfigured to offer free space to guests and family. To do this, the garage will be moved and reconstructed, and the stairwell will be reoriented. In addition, a new family room will be created with a small family kitchen and dining area on the second floor. The old dining area, which was on the first floor, will be absorbed into the remodeled-kitchen area. “Right now, there is no place in the house for a family gathering place,” Madden said. An elevator will be installed, and site grading and paving will complete a new kitchen service entrance. Currently, plans for interior design are delayed until a new president is selected, so he or she may give input and add a personal touch.