Georgia State University Plans Campus Transformation

Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga., recently received an $80-million gift that will go toward the largest campus transformation project in university history, according to a news release. The contribution from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation will go toward a planned $107 million in campus upgrades across nine projects in downtown Atlanta. The Building Pathways for Success Initiative was approved by the University Board of Regents’ Committee on Real Estate and Facilities in mid-November.

“The Woodruff Foundation, one of Georgia’s greatest philanthropic institutions and one of downtown’s most important partners, is entrusting us and our University System of Georgia colleagues to act boldly over the next two years to realize a new vision for our downtown campus,” said University President M. Brian Blake. “We are grateful for their support and for their partnership in sharing this vision for a college town downtown.”

The projects are centered in Hurt Park and Woodruff Park, two marquee greenspaces on campus. Developments in Hurt Park include removing Sparks Hall to merge the existing campus Greenway into a new district. The Greenway will feature an elevated plaza and enhanced walkways. The 100 Edgewood building will receive a new dining hall and gathering space, as well as renovations to the first four floors to create classroom space and interconnecting stairways. The façade of the Arts and Humanities building will also see an upgrade.

At Woodruff Park, the 25 Park Place building and plaza will receive new sidewalks, a realigned streetcar platform, and façade improvements. These upgrades will connect the facility to Broad Street and the Aderhold Learning Center, according to the news release.

“This project will breathe new life into our downtown area and into the City of Atlanta,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “We all want to make sure that downtown is brighter and more inviting. And as an alumnus of Georgia State, I want to see this campus flourish. This is a great way to connect these parks and to make sure that people have an enjoyable experience downtown.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Illinois State University Breaks Ground on College of Fine Arts Transformation

    Illinois State University in Normal, Ill., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts transformation project, according to university news. The series of new constructions and renovations will upgrade spaces in Centennial East, the Center for the Visual Arts, and the Center for the Performing Arts, as well as replace the existing Centennial West facility with a new Commons Building.

  • Quattrocchi Kwok Architects Opens New Office in Denver

    Education planning and design firm Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) recently announced that it has opened a new office in Denver, Colo., the firm’s third overall. QKA is headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., and runs an East Bay Area office in Oakland.

  • Texas District Breaks Ground on Second High School

    The Waller Independent School District in Waller, Texas, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for what will become its second high school, according to a news release.

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.