Roosevelt Warm Springs Breaks Ground on $8.5 Million Renovation Project

The historic Roosevelt Warm Springs campus took a significant step toward revitalization on Saturday, April 26, as state and local leaders gathered to celebrate the start of an $8.5 million renovation project. The project represents the first phase of a larger plan, with an additional $12 million already budgeted for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, bringing the total planned investment in the campus to more than $20 million.

The ceremony took place in the campus Quadrangle and was attended by local and state officials, including State Representative Debbie Buckner, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services Board Member Faye Perdue, representatives from the Roosevelt Warm Springs Development Fund and Residential Director Dennis “Chip” Medders. Dozens of community leaders, staff, and supporters were also present to witness the symbolic start of construction.

“This $8.5 million investment in the Warm Springs campus is more than just bricks and mortar — it represents a commitment from Governor Brian P. Kemp and the state legislature to support GVRA’s mission of empowering students with disabilities,” said Chris Wells during the ceremony. “The state of Georgia isn’t just investing in a facility — it is investing in futures.”

The renovation project is focused on both preservation and modernization. Plans include waterproofing and repainting the exteriors of four buildings in the Quadrangle, along with improvements to water management infrastructure and updates to signage and wayfinding across the campus. Kress Hall and Builders Hall are slated for full interior renovations, while Georgia Hall is undergoing significant bathroom upgrades. Roosevelt Hall and several other structures will receive additional improvements.

“The groundbreaking was more than the start of construction. It marked the beginning of new possibilities,” said board member Faye Perdue. “This center continues to be a place where students with disabilities not only learn valuable vocational skills but also gain confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.”

Once completed, the newly renovated spaces are expected to serve as both hotel accommodations and student housing, offering upgraded living conditions that reflect the evolving needs of the RWS community.