The University of Akron’s plan to consolidate its campus and reduce the number of buildings is moving forward with a $16.5 million boost from the state. The funds are part of $3.7 billion in capital dollars in the statewide budget.

Campus Renovations

The bulk of the money, nearly $16 million, is going to help the University of Akron fund renovations at both Schrank Hall North and South, a pair of multipurpose academic halls in need of modernization. The university plans to use the funds to repair elevators, replace roofs, and renovate the interior of the buildings.

The Schrank buildings are in a central part of campus but don’t have a specific use, said Misty Villers, the University of Akron’s CFO and vice president of business and finance. The renovations could help the university move its overflow testing center and ROTC program out of Schrank Hall, and art students could move into the more centralized space, allowing the university to sell or demolish the current art building.

Other Projects

The university is also considering the future of the Administrative Services Building and is in discussions to sell a Fir Hill building leased by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Additionally, the university is selling some land on Goodkirk Street to the Ohio Department of Transportation for improvements to state Route 8.

The university will also receive $1 million in state funds to replace the movable stage at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Other local projects include $400,000 to improve the City of Akron’s Dan Street Public Safety Training Facility and $250,000 to design an interactive park at Lock 2 downtown.

Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.