The Ohio Controlling Board on Monday approved Youngstown State University's request for $14.1 million to renovate its Kilcawley Center student union.

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

University officials have said the Kilcawley Center, a heavily used building on campus, has not undergone a major renovation in nearly 50 years. The planned work aims to address deferred maintenance and replace aging building systems.

YSU's proposal states the renovation will reorganize existing spaces for better efficiency, improve accessibility, and bring health and safety issues into compliance with current building codes. Plans include reducing the building's size, transforming the exterior, replacing the roof, modernizing elevators, upgrading interior finishes, improving corridor accessibility, and upgrading mechanical and HVAC systems. Food service areas and gathering spaces are also slated for renovation.

The university said the transfer of funds from the Maag Library Learning Commons project resulted from a determination that relocating the RESCH Academic Success Center to the library would be more costly and disruptive than initially anticipated. YSU decided 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 for the renovation, including pledges, gifts, grants, and state funding, to more than $22 million. 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.

The project was competitively bid, and the approved funds will go toward a contract with Mike Coates Construction Co. Inc. of Niles, identified as the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.

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