Final phase of ISU residence hall renovations approved

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Clyde Kersey (D-Terre Haute) said the State Budget Committee today approved the renovation of Rhoads Hall, which is located on the Indiana State University (ISU) campus.

The committee voted for authorization of the $23 million project during its meeting at Hanover College. The Rhoads Hall project is the fourth and final phase of ISU’s four-year plan to renovate several residential halls that have not had any major restoration work in more than 40 years. Rhoads Hall is part of the Sycamore Towers Complex.

“It is exciting to see this renovation plan come to fruition,” said Kersey. “Students who have lived in Rhoads Hall in recent years will tell you that the building needs some serious updating. This project will make the residence hall more comfortable for the students while continuing to utilize a building that is structurally sound. This entire four-year plan was a cost-effective means of better serving the university’s student population while preserving the traditions of this great university.”

The configuration of the double-occupancy rooms will not change, but new doors, hardware, lighting, and mechanical systems will be installed. In addition, air-conditioning and fire suppression systems will also be installed. The renovation will upgrade an area with approximately 360 beds.

Funding comes from ISU’s Residence Hall Reserves and tax-exempt revenue bonds. Construction is expected to begin in May 2017 with students moving back into Rhoads Hall in the fall of 2018.