JCSU aims to demolish and develop campus properties

JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY

Liston Hall, a 148-person student residence at Johnson C. Smith University’s main campus, is scheduled for demolition, as are a former supermarket and laundromat on West Trade Street owned by the school.

Historic West End’s streetscape is headed for more change.

Johnson C. Smith University is looking for partners to redevelop properties it owns on and near the campus. The school announced last week plans to demolish Liston Hall and the former A&P supermarket building and laundromat on West Trade Street. The initiative was approved by JCSU’s board of trustees.

“This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to long-term development plans and responsible stewardship of University resources as we reimagine how our campus best serves students and the community,” the school announced in an email.

No details on development options – or potential partnerships – were given.

The A&P building, a grocery store built in 1967 is located at 1600 West Trade St. The 1.776-acre site abuts the laundromat located at 1622 West Trade, on 0.144 acres. The laundromat facility was built in 1970. 

JCSU officials say both buildings have declined from aging and weather to the point where renovating them to code requirements is cost prohibitive building code and occupancy requirements. 

Liston Hall, a 35,000-square foot dormitory located at JCSU’s main campus on 100 Beatties Ford Road, opened in 1962 and named for former President Hardy Liston, who led the school from 1947-56. The residence hall housed up to 148 students in double-occupancy rooms. “While Liston Hall holds a place of pride in our history, its aged infrastructure and inefficient utilities make a renovation plan very cost prohibitive,” the school said.

“Demolishing the structure will pave the way for a future redevelopment aligned with our master plan, which incorporates the evolving needs of the University and surrounding community.”
Demolition will take place before the end of 2026.  

University leaders are looking to “engage with the community, including our JCSU community and the Historic West End, to explore public-private partnerships,” the email read.

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