Permit filed for $2M Rhodes College renovations

John Klyce  
Memphis Business Journal

While the COVID-19 pandemic upended Rhodes College’s spring semester and forced students to learn remotely, the institution hopes that classes in the fall, and beyond, will be face-to-face.

So, it’s moving forward with improvements to the campus. The school will renovate Glassell Hall, a dormitory that can house more than 150 first-year students.

“The college’s strategic plan calls for a comprehensive four-year residential plan, which includes a three-year residency requirement to support retention, learning, and personal growth,” a Rhodes spokesperson told MBJ. “A key component of that plan is the renovation of existing residential space.”

According to Rhodes’ website, Glassell Hall was originally built in 1964-1965. A permit valued just over $2 million was filed Friday, June 19, for the project. Grinder, Taber & Grinder is listed as the contractor.

Still, while the college is moving forward with the planning and permit process, the timing of construction hasn’t been decided, a Rhodes spokesperson said.

Rhodes is preparing for an on-the-ground fall semester — provided Shelby County moves into phase three of its reopening plan — and classes are set to begin Aug. 26. They’ll continue through Nov. 24, when Thanksgiving break begins. In-person instruction will end at the time, with the final few days of classes and exams administered remotely.

The college is also creating a health and safety protocol plan in consultation with public health experts. This will include daily symptom screening, regular testing, masking when appropriate, social distancing practices, and contact tracing if students develop symptoms.