Goldey-Beacom College (GBC) broke ground Wednesday, April 24 on a $30 million campus expansion and renovation project at the corner of Limestone and Stoney Batter roads
The new facility includes the construction of William A. Franta Hall, a new five-story residence hall featuring single and double dormitory-style rooms, study rooms and lounges on each floor, and a security office.
Campus expansion and renovations will include new dining services, a campus store and a redesigned student lounge in the Joseph West Jones Center. The Athletic Department, also housed in the Jones Center, will undergo major renovations resulting in a larger fitness center, additional locker rooms and an expanded training space for the College’s 13 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II athletics teams.
“We’ve talked about this for several years now. Our trends have shown strong undergraduate enrollment growth since 2015 ““ a sharp 30 percent increase in very few years,” said President Gary L. Wirt to a group of more than 100 people gathered for the groundbreaking.
“While it was necessary to construct a new residence hall, it was just as important to plan for expanded services and amenities to best serve our students,” added Dr. Wirt. The College anticipates ongoing annual growth. The addition of William A. Franta Hall, combined with the existing four residence halls, will enable the College to house close to 500 students on campus.
