Ohio’s only historically black college and university (HBCU), Central State University in Wilberforce, is seeking funding to renovate its Dayton campus in order to provide better support for people who live in the neighborhoods around Germantown Street.

According to the Dayton Daily News, the black college requested the Dayton Development Coalition lobby for state or federal funds in support of the proposed $1.37 million project. 

From the Dayton Daily News: 

Each year, Dayton businesses submit ideas for projects that they want either state or federal money for. Businesses submit to the Priority Development and Advocacy Committee and then the committee works with the DDC to choose which projects regional leaders will work together to lobby for at the state or federal level.

The official request to the DDC reads, “Central State University is requesting funds to support the renovation of its Dayton Campus located at 840 Germantown St. This former Reynolds and Reynolds building is in need of major repairs and upgrades to maintain safety, functionality, and accessibility. Our renovation plan includes replacement of the roof, upgrade of the HVAC, build-out of the second floor to provide more affordable leasable space for our nine current and future non-profit partners and re-pavement of the parking lot.” 

The proposal said the Dayton Campus serves as an economic driver and funding would support three key community needs: 

• Provide affordable office and programming space for non-profits and local businesses.
• Serve as a hub for social services and can be used by the public for little to no cost and last.
• Can be used by the public for little to no cost and last. 

According to the request, “This entry point has been identified as one of the major corridors in the Greater West Dayton Framework and serving as the major spine which will connect West Dayton to the new site of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. This makes this location ideal for future use by other non-profit and profit entities.”

CSU is also preparing for the departure of the black college’s president, Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, who announced late last year that she will step down from her role. 

Jackson-Hammond has served as president since 2011. 

Follow Tommy G. Meade Jr. on Twitter @tommygmeadejr