Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio, says it will invest more than $50 million in classroom improvements, including a renovation of Franklin Hall.
WCMH-TV reports that a $35 million investment into the three-story Franklin Hall will create new classrooms and specialized labs for semiconductor and biotechnology education. The remaining funds will support new engineering technology labs, general classroom updates and expanding the facilities for its automotive technology program.
“The new Franklin Hall will meet the needs of our students now and into the future, with classrooms configured for the best learning experience,” Columbus State President David Harrison said.
The project will also address lingering maintenance issues inthe 46-year-old building.
MA Design is the architect.
Franklin Hall, on the eastern edge of Downtown, houses classrooms, administrative offices, lounges and several academic departments. The renovation of the 42,000-square-foot building is scheduled to begin next summer and to reopen by spring semester 2027.
Columbus State has also invested $66.5 million to build a health services center in partnership with OhioHealth. The 80,000-square-foot building is part of the college’s plan to double enrollment in nursing and four other health care fields.
