YSU Kilcawley Center 2.0 takes shape
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YOUNGSTOWN — Work on the approximately $58 million Kilcawley Center renovation project on the Youngstown State University campus continues this week toward a fall 2027 completion.
The university broke ground May 5, 2025, to modernize the well-known facility that was constructed in the mid-1960s.
More than $13 million in state funds were allocated for the effort.
The YSU Foundation, a public charity, spearheaded the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future campaign to fund the effort. The foundation contributed $5 million. Other major donors include the Cafaro Foundation, $3 million, while the Payiavlas family (AVI Foodsystems) and the Marjorie Hartman Family Foundation each contributed $1 million.
"I kind of look at this project as updates to YSU's living room," said Joy Polkabla Byers, vice president of the university's Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
"There's just a great appreciation for our student center on campus, and there's been good support from our community." The revamped facility will be unveiled in fall 2027.
Phase 3 of the project is underway.