University of Jamestown Badal Nafus Student Union & Dining Hall

Jamestown, North Dakota

When a fire in January 2025 destroyed the Badal Nafus Student Center, the loss was deeply felt across campus, disrupting daily rhythms and removing a central gathering place.

Rather than pursuing a simple replacement, the University saw an opportunity to reflect on what made the student center meaningful. For generations of students, Badal Nafus supported academic, spiritual, and social life—hosting conversations, shared meals, study sessions, and moments of reflection that shaped the campus experience.

Working alongside the University, JLG Architects is helping restore this sense of place through a thoughtful, measured approach rooted in continuity and care. The renewed student center honors what was lost while providing welcoming, light‑filled spaces designed to support connection and community. Grounded in tradition yet oriented toward the future, the project reinforces the enduring role of the student center as the heart of campus life.