Cleveland State University to renovate two historic campus buildings

Cleveland State University is renovating two of its historic campus buildings: Fenn Tower and Fenn Hall. These two structures are among the oldest and most well-known to the campus community. The renovated Fenn Hall will become integral to the university’s STEM education, and the renovated Fenn Tower will become residences for first-year students. The renovations are in line with the university’s Cleveland State United project, its multi-year strategic plan that will improve student success and enhance academic offerings.

According to an article on Cleveland State University’s website, CSU Board of Trustees Chair Tim Cosgrove was quoted as saying, “CSU is one of the most important institutions we have in Cleveland. This University changed my life, and it is a privilege to help enrich the lives of current and future students – the renovations of Fenn Hall and Fenn Tower will do that for years to come.”

Fenn Hall renovations are expected to begin in Summer 2026 with completion in the early months of 2028. The renovation of Fenn Hall is the first step in the university’s plan to create a Biomedical Discovery Complex. Fenn Hall is currently home to many of the university’s STEM-related courses, and the renovation will provide the university with 20,000 square feet of biomedical science and engineering research laboratory space. The project is expected to cost $32 million, which has been secured through state capital funding.

Dr. Nigamanth Sridhar, who serves as the university’s senior vice president and provost, said, “The labs that will be completed in Phase I are central to our extensive STEM academic and research program at CSU. We are designing the labs to be future-focused interdisciplinary community spaces where researchers, both students and faculty, from across disciplines can collaborate, teach and explore innovations in science, medicine and engineering.”

Phase II of the Biomedical Discovery Complex is still in the planning stages, but will include high tech equipment being added into classrooms and laboratories for enhanced capabilities.

The Fenn Tower renovations will be complete in August of 2026. The building, which most recently served as a residence hall but once used to house Fenn College, the university’s predecessor, was closed in 2024 for repairs. When it reopens, it will house 400 first-year students in energy-efficient and sustainable rooms. The renovations include new bathrooms, updated living spaces, secure entrances, updated lobby, a movie theater, a ballroom, and other community gathering spaces.

Dr. Laura Bloomberg, the university’s president, said, “Fenn Tower holds a special place in the history of Cleveland State, and the City of Cleveland. Its renovation represents both respect for our history and excitement for our future. We are preserving the past while also creating a refreshed living environment where our students feel a sense of connection, support and belonging. We are creating an environment where everyone can thrive.”

Cosgrove echoed these sentiments, reminiscing on his own experiences within Fenn Tower. He said, “I remember going to history class on the fourth floor of Fenn Tower with Dr. Holmes, an experience that remains unforgettable. We are fortunate to be able to steward this iconic building so future generations can be inspired by its historic significance as well as its beautiful views of the city and Lake Erie.”

For more information about Cleveland State University, visit the school’s website.