At the "State of the College" event Thursday, March 19, President Jane Fernandes announced that the College plans to restore Antioch Hall, with renovations already underway. (Submitted photo)
Antioch College announces plans to restore Antioch Hall
- Published: March 19, 2026
At its “State of the College” event Thursday, March 19, Antioch College announced the launch of an initiative to restore Antioch Hall — also known as Main Building, with renovations now underway.
Constructed in 1852–53 and located at the apex of the campus “horseshoe,” Antioch Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building has remained unused since the college’s 2008 closure, leaving it dormant for more than 15 years. In 2019 and 2020, the Yellow Springs Community Foundation funded stabilization work and installation of a new boiler with the aim of preserving the structure and enabling future restoration efforts.
In her remarks Thursday, President Jane Fernandes announced that renovations have already begun to reopen and reoccupy the building.
“Few buildings carry a memory and spirit of a college in the way Main Building does at Antioch College. … For years, I and many of you have looked at the building and imagined what it could become,” Fernandes said. “When Main Building opens again, it will not simply be a restored building; it will be Antioch’s next chapter, written in brick, light and possibility.”
Following the announcement, architect Earl Reeder, of Earl Reeder and Associates, presented an update on work already completed and future plans. Three phases of renovation are expected, with the goal of opening the building for use in Phase 1, opening the 670-seat Kelly Hall auditorium in Phase 2 and opening the building’s towers in Phase 3.
Reeder said the first phase of renovation — which, according to a press release from the college, was funded in January via a large gift from a donor and includes decontamination and remediation of the building’s towers, installation of measures to prevent bird entry and resolution of emergency egress requirements — is nearly finished.
“We’re down to the point where the only things left to do to open [the building] are to do some lighting upgrades on the first floor and put in some fire extinguishers,” Reeder said. “We’re this close.”
The college has secured partial funding for the second phase to restore Kelly Hall, complete plumbing upgrades to bring second-floor restrooms back online and install an elevator to ensure accessibility.
To complete that phase, the college will launch a public fundraising campaign, including naming opportunities such as individual seats in Kelly Hall. More than half of the funding for the second phase has already been secured, with a target completion date of fall 2026.
Updates on enrollment, finances
In addition to updates on Antioch Hall, Fernandes shared data on enrollment trends, student outcomes and financial progress.
Fernandes said the college currently has 132 degree-seeking students, including 25 students who enrolled this winter — the largest winter cohort since Antioch reopened.
Applications have also increased significantly, she said, reporting 715 applications for fall 2026, up from 126 during the same period last year. The college is working toward a goal of enrolling 175 students by fall 2026.
Fernandes also highlighted student retention and outcomes. She said 88% of first-year students return for their second year.
“It tells us they are finding belonging here,” Fernandes said.
More than 90% of graduating students report being satisfied or very satisfied with their experience, she added.
Fernandes also said survey data showed 100% of graduates reported meaningful employment immediately after graduation.
“That speaks volumes about the distinctive education Antioch provides,” she said, adding that the college aims to maintain a graduate’s employment rate at or above 90% over time.
On the financial side, Fernandes reported that the college has made progress toward stabilizing its budget. Annual operating revenue has increased by 46%, while expenses have decreased by 11%. The college’s overall operating deficit has been reduced by 63%, and its structural deficit by 91%, she said.
“For the first time in a very long time, our projected budget for 2026–27 academic year shows a surplus,” she said.
Fernandes also reported that the college has raised $15 million as part of its 175th anniversary fundraising campaign, against a goal of $17.5 million.
To watch the “State of the College” event in full online, go to http://www.bit.ly/AntiochStateofCollege2026
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