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

  • Full Sail University Announces First Student Housing Facility

    Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla., recently announced that development has begun on its first student housing community, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Nvision Development for construction and long-term management of the facility, which will stand five stories and have the capacity for more than 570 beds.

  • Construction Begins on New University Research Vessel

    Boat-building company All American Marine recently announced that it has begun construction on a new catamaran research vessel for the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) in Port Aransas, Texas, according to a news release.

  • UCF Modernizes College of Hospitality Management

    The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., recently completed a major renovation effort for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, according to a news release. The project modernized 77,600 square feet worth of academic classrooms, teaching labs, and collaborative spaces to support both students and faculty.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.