$65 Million Expansion Will Bring New Facilities to CSU

Apartment-style residences, new meeting spaces, a climbing wall, tennis courts … All that and more is in the works as Central State University embarks on a $65 million expansion plan that increases student housing options and expands health, wellness and recreation facilities. 

Known as Project Innovation, the expansion comes as Central State is increasing its traditional-student enrollment from about 2,000 to about 3,000 — and at a time when students have been more interested than ever in living on campus.  

‘The next few years are really going to be major for Central State.’ — Dr. Jack Thomas, president  

The expansion costs won’t affect in-state or out-of-state tuition, CSU officials say. New and ongoing partnerships will help pay for the expansion.  

New Facilities and Renovations  

The centerpiece of the plan involves transforming the historic Central State power plant into a health and human services complex. The wellness center will have a fitness area and climbing wall, and it will also house exercise and wellness research. The recreation center will feature an indoor track as well as basketball and tennis courts. The expansion will also include new living-learning community residences for CSU’s honors students. 

“We’re excited about the future of Central State University,” Dr. Jack Thomas, president of CSU, said when the expansion was announced. “We have a dynamic board, dynamic leadership, outstanding faculty and staff, and brilliant students. The next few years are really going to be major for Central State.”