On May 23, the State Building Commission approved the $25 million ETSU housing project. These renovations will impact Lucille Clement, Buccaneer Ridge, West, Nell Dossett, and Stone Halls, set to be completed by Summer 2025.
“We are very excited to begin a housing renovation project focused on upgrading and updating our furnishings, systems, and spaces in a number of current residential facilities,” said Joe Sherlin, vice president for Student Life and Enrollment.
These residence halls are among the oldest on campus, being built between 1953 and 1967 (excluding Buc Ridge), according to ETSU’s history page.
A meeting packet posted by Tennessee State School Bond Authority from their May 11 meeting states the project will include “building system replacement”, furniture upgrades and reconfiguration. The meeting notes also specify that renovations will feature accessibility enhancements, renovating community bathrooms for more privacy and dehumidification equipment.
The project was approved and passed unanimously during ETSU’s Board of Trustees meeting last month.
Students will begin to see an impact on housing starting this fall as Powell Hall is not anticipated to house residents during the fall and spring semesters due to renovation, but will if necessary based on housing needs.
“If student demand necessitates, we plan to assign residents to Powell Hall this year,” Sherlin said. “Powell Hall is in a central location and will allow for more students desiring to live on campus to be accommodated.”
The proposed plan will have renovations happening primarily during summer and winter breaks. Stone Hall and Buccaneer Ridge have proposed renovation dates of Summer 2023/2024, while West, Nell Dossett, and Lucille Clement are set to start renovations in 2024/2025.
“The investment in our residential facilities is an investment in the residential experience, and complements the renovations of the D.P. Culp Student Center and the development of outdoor spaces, including University Commons,” Sherlin said. “The work will enhance student living on campus as a place to engage and connect.”
For more information about renovations, contact ETSU Housing and Residence Life at housing@etsu.edu.
