Summer construction enhancing campus facilities and infrastructure at Central State University

Above: Construction crews work outside Foundation Hall I and II on a sunny summer day.

Central State University in Wilberforce is buzzing with activity this summer as the Institution completes campus renovation projects. 

Projects include improvements and enhancements to facilities and infrastructure, renovations and rehabilitation of existing buildings, and the construction of new facilities.  

The projects are being financed through a public-private partnership with United Housing Solutions, state capital, Title III, and Land-Grant funding.  

Renovations are underway at Foundation Hall I, Foundation Hall II, Marauder Pride Community (MPC), Anne O’Hare Williamson Hall, and Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center. Sidewalks throughout campus are being repaired, and new walking paths are being added at MPC.  

Additionally, construction continues on the new Land-Grant Research and Demonstration Complex, located across U.S. 42 from the main campus entrance.  

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“We are pleased to be undergoing residential renovations to some of our facilities,” said Justyn Fry, director of Residence Life.

“These renovations will help improve the living experience of our students. We are truly excited about the work being done as we continue to move the needle forward in providing premier residential spaces that allow students to live, to learn, and to grow.”  

Additionally, the state funding has led to the recent completion of basic renovations, roof, and water intrusion repairs at Carl C. Jenkins Technology Education Hall, C.J. McLin International Center for Water Resources Management, and Hallie Q. Brown Memorial Library. Central State University-Dayton, located at 840 Germantown St., will soon receive a new monument sign as part of the project.  

Foundation Hall I and Foundation Hall II  

The Foundation Hall I and Foundation Hall II renovations encompass the most extensive construction project on campus this summer. Both buildings will be completely renovated and equipped with new furniture, painting, flooring, lighting, restrooms, and packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs), a type of self-contained heating and air conditioning system. The project is led by University Housing Solutions. 

Foundation Hall I, a 66,000-square-foot building, was built in 2002 in response to the increasing enrollment of on-campus students and houses up to 298 students. Its counterpart, the 90,000-square-foot Foundation Hall II, came soon after in 2004, housing another 378 students.  

The estimated completion date is July 30. 

Anne O’Hare Williamson Hall  

Restroom renovations are underway on the first, third, and fourth floors at Williamson Hall, an all-female, 52,000-square-foot dorm with a capacity of 227. The second-floor renovations were completed earlier this year.  

Improvements will include new tile and fixtures, painting, lights, and flooring. Shower floors are being demolished completely for comprehensive and thorough upgrades. The new showers will be watertight and more functional, said Peter Day, facilities director at Central State. 

The Williamson Hall project is expected to be finished by the end of June.  

Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center  

A highly utilized building on campus, Robeson, at approximately 85,000-square-feet, was constructed in 1978. Title III funding will be used to improve the building and its classrooms, with a projected completion date of July 15.  

In a joint statement, Dr. Amy Hobbs, interim provost and former dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and Dr. Jennifer Cruz, chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department and a professor of Music, expressed their excitement at the long-awaited improvements.  

“From summer 2023 to fall 2024, significant changes have taken place,” they said. “HVAC sensors were installed to monitor and regulate the temperature and humidity in the building, thereby safeguarding our supply and instrument inventory. The original lockers were demolished and replaced with modern versions, and the concrete walkways surrounding the building have been replaced. 

“Furthermore, the ensemble room is undergoing renovation, including the replacement of its carpet. The impact of these changes will be tremendous for our students, staff, faculty, and visitors. Many of our celebratory events, such as Charter Day and the Academic Recognition Convocation, take place in Robeson."

"These improvements not only boost the morale of those within the building but also positively influence the perception of the University within the community.” 

Marauder Pride Community Apartments 

Flooring repairs at Marauder Pride Community Apartments, built in 2019, are completely funded through a warranty. Day said tile was cracking and coming loose throughout the second and third floors, as well as in a few commons, hallways, and common areas.  

The project is expected to be completed by June 30.  

As Central State prepares to welcome students back to campus, we are thrilled about the ongoing and upcoming renovations. The enhancements to campus facilities and infrastructure, along with the renovations to existing buildings and the construction of new facilities, will contribute to an improved and vibrant campus environment for students. We are excited about the positive impact these renovations will have as we prepare to welcome everyone back to campus for the upcoming academic year.