Hinkle Fieldhouse plans to be unveiled

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Lots of changes are under way on the Butler University campus, many of those to Hinkle Fieldhouse. Friday, visitors will get a chance to see the improvements firsthand.

Generations of Hoosiers have fond memories of Hinkle Fieldhouse; the building has been on campus since 1928.

Friday, officials from Butler will give more information on the upgrades, what the finished renovations are expected to look like and more details on the financing of the project.

Work outside to replace the mortar around all the bricks is already under way. Work to the inside will start after basketball season, including renovating the indoor pool area, widening the concourse areas and making the windows more energy efficient.

"We have to preserve it, not only as a historical landmark and as a museum, but to preserve it in a way that also makes it useful in a modern era," Michael Kaltenmark with Butler University said. "When you roll up to Hinkle Fieldhouse, you should see the same building that you have seen for eight decades. That's very important."

A grant helped start the work this summer, but the university hopes to raise an additional $25 million through a fundraising campaign.

Friday morning, Butler VIPs, including Butler President James Danko and head basketball coach Brad Stevens, will announce in more detail the financial goal and the major gifts to date. They will also unveil renovation drawings.

Check back with WISHTV.com and WISH-TV for more information through the day.