$30 million upgrade approved for event facility at Athens State University

The  Board of Trustees for Athens State University in Athens, Alabama, has voted to approve a $30 million addition and renovation project for Carter Hall.

The university says that Carter Hall, built in 1965 as a gymnasium, will be renovated and expanded to provide flexible spaces for academic programs, public events and collaborative engagement.

The plans for upgrading Carter Hall include constructing 19,600 square feet of new space on the south side of the structure and 8,100 square feet of new space on the north side.

Renovation of gym space would create seating capacity for about 1,100 people and would include movable partitions so that multiple event could occur simultaneously.

The plans also include a multipurpose space on the north side with a seating capacity of approximately 700. 

The university has set aside about $22 million in appropriations from the State of Alabama, for the upgrades. In addition, the City of Athens will provide $3.9 million for the project, and the Limestone County Commission will contribute $4 million.

Construction is scheduled to begin later this year with anticipated completion in 18 to 24 months.