Photo Provided Shannon Hall, the main academic building at Ohio University Eastern, is set to undergo a major renovation project beginning Monday.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — As Ohio University Eastern looks toward a new year, changes are on the horizon.

Starting during winter break, a significant, $3.24 million construction project will take place in Shannon Hall, focusing on essential upgrades that will enhance the building’s mechanical systems and aesthetics. The project, which will span several months, promises to improve both the functionality and appearance of the interior of the building.

This project is a significant step forward for Ohio University Eastern, underscoring the university’s commitment to improving its facilities and creating a modern, efficient campus. Lewatis McNeal, vice provost for Regional Higher Education and Partnerships, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming improvements.

“This project reflects Ohio University’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art learning environments and a vibrant campus community,” he said. “These upgrades align perfectly with our mission to create spaces that inspire learning, growth, and connection for all students.”

David Rohall, dean of Campus and Community Relations, emphasized how the upgrades support both the present and future of Ohio University Eastern.

“These improvements are not just about upgrading the building’s infrastructure; they’re about investing in spaces that foster learning and collaboration,” Rohall states in a news release. “This project will create a better environment for our students and faculty, supporting the continued success and growth of OHIO Eastern for years to come.

“Additionally, this project is part of a larger goal of making Shannon Hall a place where higher education and the community meet, with spaces like our theater, art gallery, and business incubator that will serve as hubs for innovation, creativity, and collaboration.”

Construction timeline and phases

The project will be completed in two phases. The first phase, scheduled for the spring semester, will focus on the first floor of Shannon Hall. Work will begin Monday and continue through May. The first floor will undergo a hard closure during this time, meaning that it will be completely inaccessible. During the spring semester, all students, faculty and staff will need to use the Shannon Hall North Entrance to access the building. As classes resume in January, this temporary closure will create some disruption, but Ohio University Eastern is confident that the end result will be well worth it.

The second and third phases of construction will focus on the second and third floors of Shannon Hall, with work scheduled from May 1 to Aug. 7. During the summer months, the second and third floors will also be hard-closed, and access to those areas will be restricted. For all campus members and visitors, the Main Entrance on the south side of the building will serve as the primary access point.

Critical infrastructure and aesthetic upgrades

The project includes critical infrastructure upgrades that will benefit the entire campus community. The mechanical work will primarily focus on the HVAC systems, which will receive an overhaul with new ductwork and electronic controls to improve air quality and temperature regulation throughout the building. In addition, aesthetic upgrades will include new lighting and ceiling tiles, which will create a more modern and welcoming atmosphere in the building. These improvements are designed to enhance both the functionality and appearance of Shannon Hall, ensuring that it remains a state-of-the-art space for students, faculty and staff.

Adding further detail, Adam Riehl, director of facilities management for Regional Higher Education, highlighted the breadth of improvements being made.

“This HVAC project will dramatically improve space comfort and operational efficiency. These improvements are ones that will be felt but largely unseen. However, replacement of ceilings and lighting is a major upgrade to the building aesthetics and lighting quality. Overall, this project will be very impactful,” he said.

Investing in the future of Ohio University Eastern

Ohio University is investing a total of $3.24 million into this project, reflecting the university’s commitment to providing a high-quality educational environment for its students and employees. This investment will not only improve the overall campus experience but also help ensure that Shannon Hall meets the evolving needs of the OHIO Eastern community.

Minimizing Disruptions and Ensuring Safety

Throughout the construction process, Ohio University Eastern is dedicated to maintaining safety and accessibility for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. With the first floor closed during the spring semester and the second and third floors closed during the summer semester, the university has worked to develop alternative access points to minimize disruption. During the spring, students, staff and faculty will be directed to enter through the North Entrance. In the summer, everyone will be asked to use the Main Entrance on the south side of Shannon Hall. These efforts are in place to ensure that the construction will cause as little disruption as possible while maintaining a safe environment for all.

For those overseeing the construction, Jacob Horton, Ohio University Eastern manager of maintenance and operations, Facilities Management, shared their commitment to keeping the campus running smoothly during the renovations.

“This is an exciting time for Ohio University Eastern,” he said. “Our team has worked diligently to ensure the project will be completed efficiently and with minimal disruption to the campus community. We are committed to providing a safe and functional space for all during the construction process.”

Looking ahead: A brighter future for Shannon Hall

While the construction may cause temporary closures and inconveniences, the end result will be a more modern and functional building that better serves the campus community. Ohio University Eastern is dedicated to providing an updated space that will enhance the student experience for years to come. As always, the university will keep the community informed throughout the process and appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding as these necessary upgrades are made.