Millions of dollars in upgrades to reshape core of Columbus State University main campus

The main campus of Columbus State University is set to undergo a major transformation that includes the tearing down of one building and the renovation of two others, CSU announced Monday.

Woodall Hall, one of the university’s original buildings, will be demolished with some interior demolition already being done the past few weeks.

The demolition is part of the university’s plan to “open the campus core and create a true quad,” the news release says.

The building was vacated in August 2019.

Major demolition is scheduled to begin during Thanksgiving break and last through Dec. 20.

The Synovus Center for Commerce & Technology is set to begin an $8 million renovation funded by the state. The project will replace much of the building’s brick exterior and improve weatherproofing.

The renovations will not change the look of the building but make it more comfortable for occupants and make it more efficient for the university to maintain and operate, the news release says.

The Davidson Student Center will receive a $4.8 million renovation. The architecture firm 2WR+Partners will survey students this month for input on what the renovation should include and look like, according to news release.

“We are very appreciative of our local legislative delegation and the Georgia General Assembly for their support of these projects to upgrade our campus and improve the student experience at Columbus State University,” Columbus State President Stuart Rayfield said in the news release.

“This work will be a significant facelift for the areas where our students gather and socialize. They will significantly improve the look and functionality of our Main Campus — in much the same way private supporters did downtown for our RiverPark Campus,” Rayfield said.