News and Updates

SGSC Breaks Ground on Davis Hall Renovations

By: Anna Braswell
Public Information Specialist

South Georgia State College held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 26 to signal the official start of renovations on one of its legacy buildings: Davis Hall.

Built in 1906 as one of the original three buildings of what was then an A&M school, Davis Hall has served its purpose as a dormitory to students, both male and female, served as home to dorm parents and their families, housed college presidents and their families, and served as classroom and office space. Last updated in the mid-seventies, Davis Hall has some new and exciting innovations in its future.

Studio 8 Design of Valdosta, Ga., is overseeing the project, expected to last ten to twelve months. Matt Hart and Bruce Smith have designed the renovation to stay historically accurate: hardwood floors, a new portico, and opening up the entryway and foyer to how it once was. At the same time, Davis will have all modern technologies and amenities: faculty offices, large, open classrooms, a Technology Enabled Active Learning (TEAL) classroom, a conference room that can also be used as classroom space, and a large, auditorium-style classroom perfect for today’s technology-based student. The construction will be handled by Allstate Construction.

At the ceremony, SGSC Vice President of Operations Keith Newell gave an outline of the project and stated his excitement for the outcome of the building. He also thanked State Senator Tyler Harper and Douglas/Coffee County Chamber of Commerce Chair JoAnne Lewis, both of whom have supported the renovation from the start. Both Senator Harper and Ms. Lewis spoke about their connection with the College and gave words of gratitude and encouragement for the project. Douglas Mayor James Dennis was also in attendance and noted that as an alumnus of SGSC, he fully supports the renovation, and that the City of Douglas does as well.

South Georgia State College President Dr. Virginia Carson spoke about the history of the College in general, of Davis Hall specifically, and also reminded those in attendance how the recognition of SGSC as a historical campus through the National Registry affects the way the College renovates and thinks about the stewardship of its legacy buildings. She expressed her support, as well: “South Georgia State College is eager for these renovations to take place. Davis Hall has served numerous students since its construction in 1906, and with these much-needed updates, we look forward to better serving our students in the future. The technology that will be updated, the faculty offices and classroom space that will encourage learning and academic support—all of the new things that will be incorporated into Davis will help strengthen our mission while maintaining the historical integrity that South Georgia State College is known for.”

For more information, visit www.sgsc.edu. For additional pictures of the groundbreaking, please like us on Facebook at facebook.com/southgeorgiastatecollege.

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TOP PHOTO: (L-R) Matt Hart of Studio 8 Designs, Bill Weldon of Allstate Construction, Bruce Smith of Studio 8 Designs, Douglas/Coffee County Chamber of Commerce Chair JoAnne Lewis, SGSC President Dr. Virginia Carson, State Senator Tyler Harper, daughter of former President William S. Smith Diana Highsmith, Douglas Mayor James Dennis, SGSC VP for Operations Keith Newell, and Hal Slade of Allstate Construction initiate the Davis Hall renovations.

BOTTOM PHOTO: The Historic Building is slated for renovations starting in September.