Columbus State University (CSU) is targeting doubling the quantity and enhancing the quality of instructional and research space for the fast-growing CSU Robotics Engineering (CSURE) program; enhancing the quality and function of Coca Cola Space Science Center (CCSSC) educational outreach; serve as a regional hub for robotics education, testing, and innovation; provide enhanced access to educational opportunities for Muscogee County School District (MCSD)/CSU students and the greater Columbus community; serve local/regional needs for a technically trained workforce; and create opportunities for robotics partnerships with local organizations (particularly at Fort Moore). The project intends to catalyze regional economic development and develop a K-20 technology education pipeline that will nurture an evolving robotics ecosystem in the Columbus area. The new multi-use facility will function as a collaboration between CSURE, CCSSC, and the Muscogee County School District (MCSD). The proposed project is a new 36K GSF building on CSU’s main campus to integrate CCSSC that is currently located in a 21K GSF building in downtown Columbus and CSURE’s program now housed in the 6K GSF Lenoir Annex building. The new facility will be located on the site of singlestory Turner I/II complex across an existing parking lot from the Turner Continuing Education Center. The project includes the demolition of Turner I/II (9,364 GSF) and the 23,688 GSF Health and Wellness Center. However, the cost for the demolition is not part of the Stated Cost Limitation. The new facility will provide for the integration of critical robotics engineering, advanced manufacturing, and space science disciplines and provide a hub for advanced technology. The location is also beneficial due to the ability to share existing parking and blend event space programming with the Turner Continuing Education Center.
