CSU 2.0 and the future of the Wolstein Center
CSU first announced the plans to demolish the Wolstein Center in a Nov. 17, 2022 board of trustees meeting, in which a new master plan for Cleveland State University was made public.
The master plan would cost $650 million and includes demolishing the Wolstein Center and replacing it with a smaller multipurpose arena. The plan remains an open ended one, but involves collaboration with research and private industry. The use of the 85 acres would be dubbed the “Partnership District.”
In an interview with the Cleveland Stater, Nov. 2, CSU's President Bloomberg, Ph.D. acknowledged that the arena is a burden on the university's finances.
“You know that people have bounced around this, we’re losing $1,000,000 a year," Bloomberg said, "And I think at times that has been true and at times that has not been true.”
Adding to the problem, Dr. Bloomberg also said the Wolstein Center, which hosts everything from sports to visiting bands, currently has an outdated HVAC system and that sometimes acts won’t perform there “because of the state of the amenities.”
The proposed new multipurpose arena would make its home near the new housing across from Rhodes Tower and would be joined by both indoor tennis courts and an indoor field house.
However, despite the university's desire to move the Wolstein's functions to a smaller arena, Bloomberg said she “can’t promise in this economic environment” that construction will begin soon.
Rhodes Tower, other developments
The master plan also includes remodeling the university's iconic Rhodes Tower to serve as both the campus library and student housing, offering additional housing options to almost 500 students. There was some thought of demolishing the tower entirely, but was determined by the university to make no financial sense, despite the building’s controversial namesake.
Two new buildings are also planned for west of Rhodes Tower, fitted with classrooms, labs and collaborative spaces for students. Another building will be constructed for student housing.
Cleveland State has begun renovations recently, revolving around the campus’ dining scene. Recent additions include Chick-fil-a and the Viking Public House.
More information on the student housing renovations and acquisitions is available here.
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