$58 million renovation underway at Kilcawley Center

Thursday afternoon, members of Lake to River, a JobsOhio partner, and state representatives toured the site, to get updates on its progress and their investment. 

The renovations to the Kilcawley building started in May. Since then, crews have been emptying the building.

Ohio State Representatives who toured the building said in just the first few months of construction, the Kilcawley building is unrecognizable. 

“It’s a big difference, empty space, no walls, all the rooms are gone. But you can tell it’s going to be a huge improvement” said David Thomas, State Representative (R-Jefferson).

“The modernization that’s going to be taking place right here in the middle of campus I think will just be a great asset for the students,” said Monica Robb Blasdel, State Representative (R-Columbiana). 

Those touring the building shared why they feel these renovations are important.

“To be able to stay here and put down roots and help us attract people from out of the area as well,” said Tex Fischer, State Representative (R-Boardman) “Seeing that and knowing what it's going to look like in a couple years is really exciting.”

Those on the campaign committee are continuing to raise money for the 58-million dollar renovation. Over $13 million has already been given by the state for construction, and those with the committee and Lake to River are continuing to show their support.

“The state is able to provide some funding for the structure and hopefully we are able to reach the final goal of the funds that need to be raised for all the phases, but we are certainly happy to support this project,” said Blasdel.

In this phase of construction, the main entrance is blocked off by a fence, and some of the food options have been temporarily moved.

John Hyden, YSU associate vice president of facilities, said the renovations of the 60-year old center are needed.

“This is going to be a student friendly facility. It was built in stages back in the 70’s and 80’s. And it was very closed in, narrow corridors. This space is going to be much more open and friendly to the students,” said Hyden. “The layout of the building was not inviting. Secondly, being as old as the building is, mechanical systems have been failing, electrical systems, all your major building systems were at end of life.”

Students on campus can access parts of the center, but mostly, the building now sits empty.

“With the exception of the temporary food area that we have and a couple of temporary offices we have upstairs, the rest of the building has been gutted,” said Hyden. “This is the largest construction project, dollar wise, that has ever taken place on campus, by about $20 million.”

Renovations to the student center are expected to be complete by the fall of 2027.