Historic OSU dorm to be demolished

While preservation is always appreciated, sometimes repairing a 66 year old dormitory isn’t practical.

According to bid documents, Ohio State University is tearing down the 1960s-era dorm tower located at 123 W. Lane Ave. It’s 13 stories and 130,000 square feet, and named Jones Tower.

After initially being approved for renovations in 2025, Jones Tower was deemed too costly to renovate.

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However, its companion towers, Taylor and Drackett (the former which flooded this year, causing 700 students to find alternate living arrangements), are set to receive $15 million renovations, with the Master Planning & Facilities Committee approving the construction proposal just yesterday.

If fully approved by the board, Jones Tower would be demolished, and Taylor and Drackett Towers’ mechanical systems and infrastructures would be revamped, as well as interior and exterior improvements. Full plumbing systems would be replaced, and the entry levels into the dorms would be reconfigured to accommodate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The new (old) dorms should be available by the start of the school year in 2028, while Jones Tower is retiring for good.

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