ATLANTA — Georgia State University has big plans in store to jumpstart upgrades to its Downtown Atlanta campus.
An $80 million gift from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation has put the university one step closer to its "largest transformation project ever."
The university announced the donation and plans to upgrade on Wednesday.
According to a news release, the upgrades to the university's downtown Atlanta footprint cost $107 million, with nine projects in store.
A news release added that the foundation's gift is the largest in the university's 111-year history and the largest among institutions in the University System of Georgia.
“The Woodruff Foundation, one of Georgia’s greatest philanthropic institutions and one of downtown’s most important partners is entrusting our University System of Georgia colleagues and us to act boldly over the next two years to realize a new vision for our downtown campus,” said Georgia State President M. Brian Blake.
What's in store?
The university and state's plans include transforming the district's surrounding parks into central hubs to help student engagement.
Officials added that GSU's Sparks Hall would be removed to integrate the existing campus Greenway into a district that crosses Gilmer Street and connects to Hurt Park.
An elevated plaza, enhanced walkways and a vegetated buffer will also be included in the Greenway plans.
Here are some other projects:
- 100 Edgewood building will have a new dining area and gathering space, including a renovated classroom space.
- The arts and humanities building will also have a new contemporary look.
- New sidewalks, realigned streetcar platforms, and more will happen at the 25 Park Place building and plaza.
The Park Place building renovations will also help connect Broad Street and Aderhold Learning Center and create a central gathering space for students and visitors at Woodruff Park.
“The idea is to create this very comfortable walk between our 25 Park Place plaza and the Aderhold Building,” said L. Jared Abramson, GSU's executive vice president and COO. “We want to make Woodruff Park a true community space that’s even more open and welcoming to students.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also gave a nod to GSU's new project
“This project will breathe new life into our downtown area and into the City of Atlanta,” said Dickens. “We all want to make sure that downtown is brighter and more inviting. And as an alumnus of Georgia State, I want to see this campus flourish. This is a great way to connect these parks and to make sure that people have an enjoyable experience downtown.”
What do students think of the new proposed upgrades?
Gigi Castellanos, who attends GSU, welcomes the Greenway ideas but shares concerns about the Sparks Hall building, which will be removed. She said the building is used for tutoring sessions.
"I feel like it'd be good for the students to have a space to come together kind of. There's not really a lot of green space down here, besides, like the, you know, the small areas and stuff like that," she said.
Her peer, Raviatou Ndyaie, also agrees with upgrading the campus Greenway.
"It's kind of nice to have somewhere to bring pressure and not be stuck between the library walls, especially when you're studying and busy," Ndyaie said.
Dion Mason added that the new plans would give the campus a "sense of community." He said that GSU's Atlanta campus isn't "regular."
"It's really just a collection of buildings in the city, and not like a regular campus. So that would be nice for us. I'd say just a sense of community and the general vibe would be fun," Mason said.
Zaina J said the new plans will also help with overcrowding in areas where students socialize.
"I always think of the green space like a runway, and sometimes it could be a bit intense. Be a bit intimidating, and I feel like having a wider space. When you get less intimidating, feel more comfortable for all students," she said.
