The Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees voted Friday to approve renovations at Hayes Hall costing an estimated $14.4 million.
Serving the learning community for nearly 100 years, Hayes Hall was selected by trustees to undergo comprehensive renovations to ensure it remains a viable teaching, research and learning space for years to come.
Proposed renovations to Hayes Hall include interior renovations to classrooms, laboratories, departmental offices, student support areas and shared facilities, as well as critical infrastructure upgrades and accessibility improvements.
The majority of funding, $13.6 million, is set to come from the state of Ohio. The planned improvements will preserve the building’s historic character while enhancing its ability to support world‑class academic programs for students, faculty and staff.
Originally constructed in 1929 to accommodate the university’s Early Childhood Education Department, Hayes Hall currently houses the College of Arts and Sciences, Computer Science Department, Information Technology Services, Title IX and State and Federal Compliance and Non-Discrimination offices, TRIO programs, as well as various other academic and student support departments.
Renovations to Hayes Hall are slated for completion in fall 2029, barring any funding changes or work adjustments.
Also on Friday, the BGSU trustees voted to continue the ongoing IT Network Infrastructure Master Plan 2.0, with a $6 million state capital appropriation. The board approved the project’s second of five phases, which includes engineering and construction services for the installation of duct banks and fiber connections to select areas near the university’s STEM and creative and performing arts facilities.
Phase two also calls for IT improvements at and near Doyt Perry Stadium, Sebo Athletic Center and Slater Family Ice Arena.
Overall, the IT Network Infrastructure Master Plan 2.0 will increase security, improve connectivity and upgrade the overall efficiency of the BGSU physical network infrastructure.
The original investment from the first Master Plan, which began in 2000, currently has components reaching end of life as parts of the system have grown outdated for today’s connectivity demands.
