ISU’s Cromwell Hall will get a $23 million renovation, says Kersey

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Clyde Kersey (D-Terre Haute) said the State Budget Committee has approved the expenditure of $23 million for a complete renovation of Cromwell Hall on the Indiana State University (ISU) campus.

The approval came during the committee’s Dec. 17 meeting at the Statehouse.

“This is part of ISU’s campus master plan, which features the renovation of several of the university’s residential halls,” said Kersey. “Most of these buildings have not had any major renovation work in 40 years. This project will include new doors and hardware, air conditioning, new lighting, and updated mechanical systems. The fire alarm systems, the heating system, which will include individual temperature controls, the power and data systems, and windows will all be replaced with more efficient units. I appreciate the university’s efforts to make cost-effective repairs and upgrades in order to ensure that the residence halls are safer and more comfortable for ISU students.”

Funding for the project comes from tax-exempt revenue bonds, $18.4 million, and the Residence Hall Reserve, $4.6 million.

The 12-story Cromwell Hall, dedicated on November 1, 1964, houses 366 students and is one of the four buildings that make up the Sycamore Towers complex. This is the third phase of the four-phase renovation project for residence halls.

Cromwell Hall is named for Beecher Cromwell, who owned and operated Cromwell Furniture and Auction Company in Terre Haute for 39 years. Although his formal education ended with the eighth grade, Cromwell was greatly dedicated to the university. The entrepreneur believed Terre Haute benefited tremendously from the university and that the community should encourage and financially support the university’s development.