Welch Center Façade Renovation Has Begun
July 16, 2026
The Welch Center is closer to getting a new look, with construction for the façade renovation officially started.
The building will undergo multiple exterior renovations to improve the aesthetics to match the rest of the LSCO campus and extend its functional longevity. Construction is expected to last around six months, with the substantial completion date set for December 2026.
Director of Physical Plant, Marlin McMullen, laid out what faculty, staff and students can expect to see in the first few weeks of the project. “Access control fencing has been installed around the project,” McMullen said. “The café employees’ parking area and the parking lot adjacent to the gym has been closed to public access and the EIFS material currently on the exterior is being removed.”
The Welch Center is a central spot for students. It houses study spots, the Gator Cafe, the gym, games, and student organization meetings. It’s a big driver in foot traffic on campus, which is why Assistant Coordinator of Campus Activities, Ashley Guillory, is looking forward to the final product.
“The Welch Center is one of the first places many students visit, where we hold the majority of our student events, and for some, it's where they spend most of their time on campus,” Guillory explained. “Having a space that feels updated and welcoming can make a big difference in how students feel about being here.”
With construction set to span the next several months, the Welch Center’s renovation marks a significant step in enhancing one of LSCO’s most heavily used campus spaces. As work progresses, students, faculty and staff can expect temporary disruptions, but many are optimistic that the upgraded exterior will better reflect the college’s commitment to growth and provide a more welcoming environment for years to come.