Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Legislative Request (Priorities and Descriptions):

Summary of Request

Priority 1: T.B. Ellis Interior Renovations

Type: Repair and Renovation

Funds Requested: $13,000,000.00

Project Description

This project will consist of a new roof along with interior renovations, which includes the replacement of HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical related equipment and/or fixtures to include the Olympic-sized swimming pool. Other modification will consist of interior painting, ceiling tile and flooring replacements.

Project Justification

The T.B. Ellis Building, built in 1969, is a significant structure at Jackson State University. The T.B. Ellis Building not only supports the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) programs, but the Jackson community as a whole. The facility has historically served as a major area of refuge for local and neighboring state institutions. Waterline failures connected to the swimming pool caused major mechanical damage to mechanical equipment in the facility and indirectly other interior conditions, requiring major repair and renovation.

Priority 2: Rose E. McCoy Auditorium

Type: Repair and Renovation

Funds Requested: $5,675,000.00

Project Description

The Rose E. McCoy Auditorium (Office/Classrooms 41, 175 GSF) Repairs/Renovation project will include providing a new roof and adequate instructional space for faculty, administrative staff and students. The project will also consist of adding and modifying existing walls (replacing the wallpaper and painting), lighting, seating, flooring, ceilings, mechanical HVAC, electrical service and communications/data services to restore the original condition of this building.

Project Justification

Serving as a primary instructional space for Jackson State University’s theatre and performing arts students, the facility formerly known as University Park Auditorium is a cornerstone of academic and artistic development on campus. Under continuous JSU stewardship for over 60 years, it also plays a vital role as a community gathering and events venue in West Jackson. Building interiors have not been upgraded since 1994, except for key ADA upgrades to ensure compliance. Prominently located at the main intersection of campus and frequently used by visitors, the facility is a key point of entry and engagement for both the university and the broader community. Enhancing the building’s exterior and interior will not only support JSU’s academic mission but also preserve its cultural significance, improve campus aesthetics, and foster deeper community connections through expanded programming and use.

Priority 3: General R&R

Type: Repair and Renovation

Funds Requested: $12,000,000.00

Project Description

General Repair and Renovation (R&R) program will address a range of critical improvements to campus facilities and grounds, including roof repairs, mechanical system upgrades, elevator modernization, road and parking lot enhancements, and the demolition of obsolete buildings as funding permits. A key component of this initiative is the Campus Safety Project, which will implement physical and life safety upgrades to protect students, faculty, and staff. This includes campus-wide enhancements such as emergency phone tower upgrades, improved outdoor lighting, additional security cameras, modern access control systems, upgraded safety equipment, and measures to secure campus access points.

Project Justification

General Repair and Renovation repairs are essential to maintaining the safety, functionality, and long-term sustainability of campus infrastructure. Many facilities have aging systems and components that, if left unaddressed, could lead to costly emergency repairs, safety hazards, or interruptions to academic and operational continuity. By proactively investing in roof repairs, mechanical upgrades, elevator modernization, and site improvements, the University can preserve its assets, enhance the campus experience, and ensure compliance with building codes and accessibility standards. Additionally, the inclusion of targeted safety enhancements (such as improved lighting, security systems, and access controls) demonstrates a strong commitment to the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This strategic approach minimizes risk, supports enrollment and retention efforts, and positions the University to respond effectively to current and future facility needs.

Priority 4: Just Hall of Science

Type: Structural Repairs and Renovations

Funds Requested: $500,000.00

Project Description

A pre-planning project for Just Hall of Science, which is experiencing structural foundation issues, would include a detailed structural and geotechnical assessment to determine the extent and cause of the damage, along with a full building condition survey and code compliance review. It would also evaluate academic and programmatic needs, engage key stakeholders, and develop preliminary design documents to inform potential repair, reconstruction, or replacement based on findings. Cost estimates, construction phasing strategies, and funding options would be included to minimize academic disruption and support long-term planning. The final report would provide Jackson State University with clear, data-driven recommendations for the facility’s future.

Project Justification

The Ernest Everett Just Hall of Science, originally constructed in 1955 and expanded in 1964, currently houses key departments including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Science Education. Comprising two connected structures totaling over 42,000 GSF, the facility includes lecture halls, laboratories, a solarium, a computer center, and faculty offices—making it central to JSU’s STEM instruction and research. A soil assessment revealed the building rests on a poor foundation line impacting multiple facilities from the northeast to the southwest areas of campus, requiring further investigation to assess the feasibility of foundation reinforcement versus reconstruction or replacement.

Priority 5: Stadium Structural Repairs (Phase I)

Type: Repair and Renovation

Funds Requested: $19,000,000.00

Project Description

Phase I of the stadium structural repair project will focus on addressing immediate life safety and code compliance issues to ensure the facility remains safe and operational for public use. This includes the remediation of critical structural concerns such as unstable concrete elements, corroded support structures, and compromised egress routes. Repairs will target areas where deterioration poses a direct hazard to occupants, including stairwells, guardrails, handrails, and seating sections that do not meet current building and safety codes. Additional work may include improving accessibility to comply with ADA standards, enhancing emergency lighting, and addressing fire safety systems, where deficient. These interventions are prioritized to stabilize the facility and reduce liability while allowing continued limited use during the planning and design of long-term upgrades.

Project Justification

The Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, built in 1950, serves as the home of the JSU Tigers Football team and hosts a range of major university and statewide events, making it a critical asset for both Jackson State University and the broader Mississippi community. Due to the stadium’s age and continued heavy use, Phase I of the repair project is essential to address immediate life safety and code compliance concerns. This phase will focus on stabilizing key structural components, repairing deteriorated concrete, and correcting safety hazards such as compromised stairwells, railings, and egress pathways. Ensuring the structural integrity and code compliance of the facility is imperative to protect the health and safety of all occupants and to allow continued use of the stadium while planning for more comprehensive long-term renovations in Phase II.