Johnson B Complex to close for renovations

Ball State President Paul W. Ferguson’s plan for starting construction of another new residence hall will happen—it’s just a matter of whether it lies within his “18 by ‘18” frame, Housing and Residence Life Director Alan Hargrave said.

In May, Schmidt/Wilson halls in Johnson B will close for renovations. The results will provide students with similar features—computer labs, fitness rooms and lounge space—while participating in the Theatre and Dance Living-Learning Community. The project is part of Ferguson’s "18 by ‘18," or Centennial Commitment, which looks to accomplish 18 goals by Ball State’s centennial anniversary in 2018.

The university is currently in year three of a separate construction project started before Ferguson’s administration, Hargrave said. So renovations on residence halls beyond what is currently scheduled may not be part of Ferguson’s new strategic plan.

“I think [residence halls] are very important,” Hargrave said. “It’s a way to bridge what happens in class and out of class.”

The pre-Ferguson project is a renovation of Botsford/Swinford halls of the Johnson A Complex, which will open in the coming fall semester. It will provide about 590 beds and air conditioning while serving the Emerging Media and Communications Living-Learning Community.

With these renovations taking place, along with another in the future, Hargrave said the idea is to have enough space to replace LaFollette, which was completed in 1967 and last renovated in 1998. Ball State has also added 500 beds in Park Hall and another 600 beds in Kinghorn. There could be a need for another 500 to 600 bed facility in order to demolish LaFollette.

Isaiah Wong, a former Ball State student who lived in LaFollette last year, said it sometimes felt like it was “thrown up just to have some space” for more students to live on campus.

Wong said that the living situation wasn’t always desirable due to a lack of air conditioning as well as old rooms and furniture. He said Ball State should consider tearing down the building if it would be replaced with improved living quarters.

The overall construction could take some time, however. Hargrave said part of his job is working with architects on design and making sure the construction is on schedule.

The Ball State Daily News reported that the renovations of Johnson A cost the university $30,442,000. Hargrave said most of the money for projects like these comes from a reserve account set aside for construction.

After the construction and cleanup is complete, furniture, beds, televisions and other items for the inside have to be moved in as part of a second phase.

Jana Lowery, a sophomore telecommunications major, has been in the dorms for two years and likes the convenience they provide. She said that the end product of new construction and renovations will be what helps keep students on campus for the long run.

“I think the fact that it’s newer and conditioned ... it will probably have better furniture and be prettier to live in,” she said. “I think that will really attract people.”

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