Brenau University, in the continuing development of its campus location in downtown Gainesville, will invest over $1.95 million for exterior construction to the Downtown Center facility. This project will create a new main entrance, easily accessible via the Gainesville and Roosevelt Squares, in addition to other improvements at various entrances around the entire facility.
Continuing the mindful adaptive reuse of existing facilities as a way to maximize its investment, Brenau envisions this enhancement as a way to visually and architecturally connect the current facility with the new Gainesville Renaissance, allowing for a new campus location to truly take shape. Once completed later this winter, the Gainesville Renaissance will house an art gallery space curated by university staff on the main floor and the Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling on the second floor.
“We are pleased to continue to invest in the Brenau Downtown Campus, which will bring lasting benefits to our institution and the community as a whole,” said Brenau President Anne Skleder. “This campus enhancement is a wonderful example of our continued investment in downtown Gainesville, while also providing greater visibility to Brenau and our historic campus.”
The Brenau Downtown Center — which currently includes the university’s Physician Assistant Studies and Physical Therapy programs — has been a cornerstone of the Ivester College of Health Sciences since it was first renovated for Brenau’s use in 2012 through an agreement with the city of Gainesville. In addition to the academic facilities, the center’s three multipurpose spaces and Charles D. Walters Theatre on the Square are available for university and public use.
Construction is projected to begin later this fall. Various naming opportunities are available for this and other projects currently underway at the Brenau Downtown Campus. For additional information, please contact the Office of External Relations at 770-718-5309.
