Georgia and Reade Halls Restored

VALDOSTA - When honors students claim their beds in Reade Hall this fall, they will experience the historic class and style of when Reade was first built in 1936. Former Georgia Hall residents might not recognize the rebuilt building, which doubled in size and is outfitted with the latest technologies, including SMART rooms and wireless Internet. The two, yearlong renovation projects are ready to greet students at move-in day with a nod to VSU’s past and a symbol of progress.

Reade Hall
Auxiliary Services Director Rob Kellner said that while examining old drawings of historic Reade Hall, the design team noticed a number of strong features, which could be recreated to restore the building's 1930s feel. Using much of the existing structure, the construction crew rebuilt and refurbished key elements while adding contemporary features to blend history and modern convenience into a bright, comfortable new home for VSU's brightest.

Extensive renovations called for the replacement roof tiles, doors and other details with new items representative of the originals. Exterior stonework was restored, as were the original hardwood floors, which were hidden for years under tile on the second floor. Other improvements include laundry and bathroom facilities on each floor as well as hard-wired Internet connectivity and new furniture for each student. An extension of the downstairs lobby created extra space for a study room on the second floor.

A full restoration of the central staircase, which the design team intended to become the building’s aesthetic focal point, truly brought back the 1930s ambiance. Honors students are sure to benefit from the upgrades, while appreciating the renovated residence hall that blends modern convenience with historic ambiance.

Georgia Hall
Georgia Hall previously housed 200 students in traditional rooms set in a double-loaded corridor facility. The now six-story building will house 494 freshmen in a mix of two- and four-person suites. Each student will have a closet, an extra long twin bed, desk, chair and his or her own cable and data jack.

The SMART classroom, equipped with computer and audiovisual equipment, provides a space for engaging presentations and group meetings. Study and game rooms accompany a large multi-purpose room near the two-story central entryway. The main entrance to the building looks out at the new student Union, which is expected to be complete in January 2010, and shares a courtyard with Langdale Hall.