$33M center planned at Central State

WILBERFORCE, Ohio (WDTN) - Central State University students announced plans to break ground on Thursday, April 19 for new $33 million University Center.

The Central State University Center project is a $33 million venture to design, program, and construct a student-centered facility. The Center will house 90,000 plus square feet and will include state-of-the-art amenities to serve students, including, but not limited to a 600-seat dining area, bookstore, computer lounges, study lounges a theatre, student meeting facilities, recreational facilities, and a large ballroom.

The university received $14.5 million state funding to begin the project in 2008. The initial funding completed Phase I, which included: design, engineering, and programming of the facility, demolition of Banneker Hall, site preparation for construction of the new facility, relocation of utilities and realignment of roadways for construction.  Phase I was completed in August 2011.

The project is slated to be completed and open in spring of 2014.

Central State students will lead the groundbreaking at 3 p.m. Thursday.