MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota Board of Regents has approved a nearly $81 million overhaul of the Northrop building that will upgrade its well-known auditorium and increase space for academics.

The regents took their final vote on the financing of the project on Friday. The 82-year-old building will close on Monday and construction will begin later this month. It will reopen in 2013.

The historic auditorium will get state-of-the art acoustics, better sight lines, more technology and updated amenities, including a cafDe.

The remodeled building will also house the University Honors Program for gifted undergraduates and the Institute for Advanced Study for collaboration among scholars and artists.

Since opening in 1929, Northrop has served as the university’s primary gathering place for the performing arts, academic ceremonies and major civic events.

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