Seton Hill University's Big Plans for Sports and Learning Spaces
Seton Hill University is embarking on a significant transformation with two major projects: a new indoor sports facility and the renovation of historic Sullivan Hall. The university is collaborating with the Latrobe Industrial Development Authority to finance these initiatives, with a proposed $37.5 million bond issue.
New Indoor Sports Facility
The new 87,000-square-foot indoor sports facility will feature:
- A 200-meter indoor track
- Areas for jumping and pole vaulting
- An indoor turf field
This facility will be a game-changer for the track and field team, which has never had an on-campus facility before. Other sports teams, including wrestling, baseball, softball, and lacrosse, will also benefit from new practice spaces, locker rooms, coach offices, and a media room for recruiting and game analysis.
Sullivan Hall Renovation
Built in 1929, Sullivan Hall is undergoing a major renovation to accommodate growing programs in:
- Healthcare
- Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
The renovation will include:
- Two floors for nursing and physical therapy programs
- The third floor for the School of Business and Technology
- A bookstore
- A cafe
- Study areas
- A cadaver lab for health professions
The university has already secured $4 million from Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to support Sullivan Hall's renovation. The goal is to preserve the building's historical charm while expanding its usable space from 37,000 to 46,000 square feet.
Timeline and Financing
Construction on the new sports facility is expected to begin as early as February. The bonds to fund these projects will be issued the same month, with fixed interest rates and a term of up to 30 years. The university will be responsible for repaying the bonds, which will have tax-free status, making them attractive to investors like pension funds and mutual funds.
