Lakeland Community College is one of the first institutions in Ohio to secure funding under the state’s new Strategic Square Footage Reduction Fund to help public campuses eliminate underutilized, high-maintenance facilities.

Lakeland will use the $1.5 million loan to demolish its T-Building, which has numerous costly maintenance needs that surpass its benefit.

“After carefully evaluating the building’s condition and long-term costs, we determined that demolition is the most responsible course of action,” says Sunil Ahuja, President of Lakeland. “Removing the structure will eliminate ongoing operational expenses, costly maintenance needs, and potential liabilities. Throughout this process, our focus has remained on serving our students and being good stewards of taxpayer resources. All classes previously housed in T-Building have been relocated elsewhere on campus.”

Constructed in 1989, the 42,616 sq. foot T-Building is one of the earlier structures on Lakeland’s campus. The facility has experienced significant water infiltration issues, particularly in the atrium located on the building’s northeast end. In addition, the building’s utility infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life. Due to these concerns, the facility was vacated in summer 2025.

“A comprehensive renovation to restore the building for safe, full utilization would require an estimated investment of $3.3 million,” says Steven Hardy, Vice President for Administrative Services and College Treasurer. “We would like to have this project completed by summer 2027.”

Lakeland's facilities department has assessed the best campus areas to invest funds and plans to renovate the student dining area in the upcoming year.

By: Jessica Tremayne, Chief Public Relations Officer