Outside of Si Melby Hall, alongside 23rd Avenue, is the Gertrude and Richard Pautz Plaza. The plaza, completed in 2001, features four cast-iron benches and attractive landscaping, a wonderful place for people to gather outside of the building. The exterior plaza showcases one of the most public portions of the 2000 renovation project -- the new glass windows and doors on the west side of the building. The windows and doors not only give the building a new and more impressive look, but also are extremely energy-efficient, a necessity with the new heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system inside the building.

The plaza, dedicated in June 2001, was named for Dick Pautz '37, who served Augsburg as athletic director, intramural director and public relations director, along with serving two terms (11 years) on the college's board of regents; and his wife Gertrude (Erling) Pautz '36, who was an active member of the Augsburg Associates (formerly Augsburg Women's Club). Both were lifelong fans of Augsburg athletics.

Stairways are on the north and south side of the building; the main entrance for athletic events is on the north side, using either the stairs or wheelchair ramp. The stairways and wheelchair ramp were renovated and repainted for the 2000 renovation.

Adjacent to the north entrance is a rock and flower garden that is uniquely Augsburg. During the spring and summer months, the garden features uniquely designed floral arrangements. It's one of the special landscaping touches applied by groundskeeper Bruce Rowe and his student staff.