Youngstown State University will seek approval from the Ohio Controlling Board on Monday for a $14.1 million renovation of its Kilcawley Center student union.

According to the board's public agenda, YSU is requesting the transfer of $871,237.50 in capital funds from a previously planned Maag Library Learning Commons project to the Kilcawley Center renovation. The university is also requesting the release of $13,288,441 in capital funds for the project, totaling $14,159,678.50.

University officials said the Kilcawley Center, a frequently used building serving the entire campus, has not undergone a major renovation in nearly 50 years. The proposed work aims to address deferred maintenance and replace aging building systems nearing the end of their useful life.

YSU's request states that the renovation will reorganize existing spaces for better efficiency, address accessibility, and bring health and safety issues into compliance with current building codes. Plans include reducing the building's size for better space utilization, transforming the exterior, replacing the roof, modernizing elevators, upgrading interior finishes, improving corridor accessibility, and making upgrades to mechanical and HVAC systems. Food service areas and gathering spaces will also be renovated.

The university explained that the transfer of funds from the Maag Library Learning Commons project is due to a decision that relocating the RESCH Academic Success Center to the library would be more costly and disruptive than anticipated. YSU determined it would be more cost-effective to include the success center in the Kilcawley Center renovation.

According to a university news release, the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future Campaign has raised over $8 million through 55 gifts and pledges. This brings the total raised, including pledges, gifts, grants, and state funding, to more than $22 million for the renovation. The YSU Board of Trustees has achieved 100% participation in the campaign, totaling more than $1.2 million.

The planned upgrades also include updated lounges, expanded dining options, a new black-box theater, and enhanced connectivity with the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The project intends to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces to create a more accessible and inclusive environment.

According to the agenda, the project was put out for competitive bidding, and Mike Coates Construction Co. Inc. of Niles was identified as the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. The $13,288,441 in released funds would go toward a contract with the company.

YSU anticipates funding for the project will come from a combination of local funds, bond proceeds, private gifts, and the requested capital funds. The university stated it will cover any costs exceeding the requested amount.