R.J. Reynolds Center
The R. J. Reynolds Center, which houses Winston-Salem State University’s School of Business and Economics, will soon receive a facelift thanks to a $408,567 Title III grant to renovate the building.
The building was constructed in 1984 with a $3.1 million dollar gift from the State of North Carolina, the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and other donors. For the last twenty-four years, the building has housed, primarily, the School of Business and Economics (SBE). As the SBE prepares for the ten-year reaffirmation of its accreditation with AACSB in 2010, it faces the reality of a building in need of repair and renovation. A consultant’s report in 2006 pointed to the need to invigorate the physical environment of the school in order to meet reaffirmation standards.
“This activity will involve the renovation of the main lecture hall, selected classrooms, hallways, stairways, and the bathrooms in the building,” said SBE dean Jessica Bailey, who secured the grant. Specific actions to be accomplished include the following:
- Refurbishing Room 136 lecture hall which is used for WSSU faculty meetings, speakers, and numerous other events. That project calls for the installation of new tables with laptop ports at each station; installation of new, stationary chairs that are user friendly and ergonomically correct; and installation of new carpeting throughout the room;
- Installation of rubberized flooring on the stairs and landings of the stairwells, and painting of the walls of the stairwells;
- Installation of new bathroom stall walls, including updated hardware, installation of new tile flooring, and painting of the walls;
Throughout the building:
Installation of new carpeting; newly painted walls and trim; and hanging of artwork;
Installation of tables and chairs in four classrooms to accommodate 36 individuals.
The renovations are scheduled for Spring 2009.
