SILOAM SPRINGS — John Brown University has received a $3 million gift for the renovation of a campus residence hall.
The Christian university in Siloam Springs says the gift is from an anonymous donor and will help pay for the renovation of the 93-year-old J. Alvin Brown residence hall.
The school plans to remodel the men’s dormitory, updating the rooms into modern suites with features similar to newer residence halls. J. Alvin is the oldest structure on campus.
The total cost of the renovation will be $5.5 million.
JBU estimates that more than 4,000 students have lived in the J. Alvin residence hall since 1921. Renovations are expected to be complete by summer 2014.
The building was named after Joseph Alvin Brown, who was the younger brother of the university’s namesake founder.