Rep. McNally announces $128,762.50 to Support Youngstown State University

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced the State Controlling Board approval of $128,762.50 in support for Youngstown State University (YSU) from the Ohio Department of Education’s (ODE) Higher Education Improvement line item as part of the Resch Academic Success Center and Accessibility Services relocation into the Maag Library. The newly renovated space will carry the name “Maag Library Learning Commons.” 

“I’m happy to have advocated for this fund transfer that allows for the best use of the resources the state has promised YSU,” said Rep. McNally. “This improved and updated Maag Library Learning Commons will be a great resource for our students and staff on campus.”

The initial release of dollars will fund an RFQ with Bostwick Design Partnership, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio to provide Architectural/Engineering design services for the Maag Library Learning Commons project.  Additionally, the Ohio Controlling Board Request includes a $1 million transfer request from the Cushwa Hall Allied Health Renovations to the Maag Library Learning Commons, noting a merger between YSU and Mercy Health nursing programs no longer required the additional space or space modifications they had anticipated.

Construction, which is tentatively planned to start in May of 2025 and includes a reduction in space from 163,000 square feet to 128,000 square feet, will consist of extensive modifications to offices, study areas, private conference areas, and testing areas along with upgrades to the heating/ventilating and air conditioning, power, lighting, fire, and life-safety systems. There will also be accessibility modifications and upgrades to existing finishes.