Renovations Underway on UC Campus

Riggleman Hall and Boathouse Construction Projects Bringing Changes to Campus

Charleston, WV – May 20. 2021 – While the University of Charleston campus may not be as full of the sounds of students this summer, the campus is far from quiet. Major construction projects – the creation of an outdoor recreation center in the former Boathouse, and renovations to Riggleman Hall – will take place during the next few months, designed to support new programs, improve current classroom design and technology, and enhance the experience of those who come to the campus.

Riggleman Hall is one of the oldest buildings on the UC campus, completed in 1951. Now, this venerable building – often a symbol of the university itself – is being updated to keep pace with the school’s growth and the creation of new programs on campus.

The renovations will reimagine the use of three classrooms, originally built as tiered lecture halls. The hall on the first floor will become a technology-rich classroom. The second-floor space will become a welcome center for the UC Admissions Office. The third-floor space will support the university’s growing Business and Leadership programs and include facilities for its new Sales and Business Development program, including a classroom, faculty offices, boardroom setups for students to practice sales pitches in a realistic setting, and student lounge area.

Renovations also include the addition of windows to each of the areas where there were none, necessitating the challenge of cutting through several layers of brick and concrete on the building’s west side.

The Riggleman Hall project is being funded by three generous sets of donors – the H.B. Wehrle Foundation, Steve and Laura Wehrle, and Bernie and Cecilia Wehrle; the Nelle Ratrie Chilton Charitable Trust, Robert Chilton, Nelle (Dickie) Jamieson, Cynthia Barrett, W. Lewis Chilton; and Pat and Jessica Graney.  Collectively they have provided $1.7 million for the renovation work and programming. The project is being managed by Pray Construction.

The second project is the renovation of the Boathouse, the first permanent structure on the Charleston campus, which has been vacant for a number of years. The updated facility will create an outdoor recreation center that will offer open-air activities for students, including the use bicycles, helmets, paddleboards, kayaks, life jackets, paddles, fishing equipment, and lawn games. The venue will also be used for entertainment events, offering guests outstanding catering and unparalleled views of the Kanawha River and State Capitol.

This project, which is being completed by the UC Facilities staff, is fully funded from $150,000 in donations. Support was garnered from the UC community and friends during the school’s annual Give For Gold campaign, as well as special donations from Michael Wehrle and Jeana Trout, Fonda and John Elliot, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity members, Ann Moran, Cheri and Bill Rice, Cathy and Joe Rice, and Kim Lawrence.

“We are very appreciative of the generosity of all our donors,” said Gail Carter, Vice President of University Development at UC. “Their willingness to invest in UC to make these projects a reality will certainly enhance the student experience for our current and future students.”

Both projects are expected to be completed before UC students return to campus in August 2021.