Renovations are officially under way in Rhodes Hall on the main campus of Clark State Community College in Springfield.
Clark State received $2.6 million for the renovation from the Higher Education Improvement Fund of the Ohio State Capital Bill passed by the House and Senate earlier this year.
“Clark State takes seriously the state’s investment in our facilities, and we are good stewards of those resources,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “We want to make sure that these investments truly benefit our students and improve their learning and experience at Clark State.”
A total of 48,000 square feet will be renovated. The last facilities update to Rhodes Hall was in the mid-90s. Rhodes Hall was constructed in 1968 and was the first building on the main campus in Springfield.
“Rhodes Hall has been the ‘work horse’ of campus classrooms,” said Larry Wakefield, vice president of business affairs for Clark State. “It has a sound building envelope, but its renovation offers an economical alternative to building a new replacement classroom facility.”
Wakefield said over the years the HVAC systems have proven to be difficult to control and maintain.
In addition to the new HVAC system (roof top units, boilers, duct work and HVAC controls), the building will also feature energy efficient LED lighting, roofing, IT network infrastructure, ceiling grid and lighting system, sprinkler system, ADA compliant stair updates, as well as improved classrooms, door hardware, furniture and AV technology on the third floor.
“Clark State is focusing on warm, safe and dry,” said Wakefield. “This renovation will primarily be the infrastructure.”
Classes in Rhodes Hall were relocated to other areas of campus while Elford Construction Company completes the work. Renovations should be complete later this summer.