Georgia State University Plans Campus Transformation

  • By Matt Jones
  • 12/05/24

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

  • Missouri State University Debuts Construction Education Center

    Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., recently opened a new 10,000-square-foot addition and renovation to support the School of Construction, Design, and Project Management, according to university news. The Construction Education Success Center, built onto the existing Kemper Hall, provides academic space for the school’s construction managers and cost $9.6 million.

  • DLR Group Appoints New K–12 Education Practice Leader

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has named its new global K–12 Education leader, Senior Principal Carmen Wyckoff, AIA, LEED AP, according to a news release. Her teams have members in all 36 of the firm’s offices in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Europe, and Asia.

  • KI Wall Demonstrates New Solutions at NeoCon 2025

    KI Wall attended NeoCon 2025 in Chicago, Ill., last month to showcase its new architectural wall systems and collaborations, according to a news release. Its customizable, design-forward wall solutions are intended to support creativity in work, education, and healthcare environments.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.