The Hormel Institute has applied for a federal grant to renovate its existing building.

"What we're trying to do is remodel the building to make better working conditions," Ann Bode, assistant director of the Hormel Institute, said.

The grant, for $1 million, requires a match, which has been provided by the Hormel Foundation and the University of Minnesota. It would be used to bring the current building up to safety-code standards, provide handicapped accessibility and install an air-conditioning system.

"In the summer, it's so unbearably hot in that building, you can't do a lot of the research and experiments," Bode said.

Other specific projects include remodeling the restrooms, installing a wheel-chair ramp and putting in a new floor.

The institute conducted an environmental and community impact analysis and found no problems with the proposed renovations. If the grant gets approved, it would go into effect this September. At that point, the institute would begin planning so that construction could begin next spring.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com