With the building currently vacant, the old Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship building has transformed into the new university surplus store, offering classroom items and goods to the Kent State community.

After the construction of the new Crawford Hall, which came with all new furniture, there was a surplus of goods left within the old building. Doug Pearson, associate vice president for facilities, planning and operations, said turning the building into a surplus store was the most efficient way to dispose of the leftover furniture. 

“Rather than moving all that surplus to a different location, then selling it and trying to get rid of it, we’re selling it right from the building,” he said. “Operating out of the college of business reduces the amount of labor it takes us to move furniture around in order to prep it for sale.” 

This change is just temporary, as the building is still set to be demolished. Pearson said once enough of the surplus is sold, the building will be prepped for demolition and all surplus operations will return to the Administrative Services Building. 

In the meantime, Pearson said the change has been successful. 

“It’s been easy for people who want to buy, and easier for us because we don’t have to move it multiple times,” he said.  

Items available for sale are office and classroom furniture, computers, mini refrigerators, microwaves and other goods. All items are sold at inexpensive prices, according to Pearson. 

The surplus store is open on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It’s open to all, including students, university employees and Kent community members.  

John Engoglia is a beat reporter. Contact him at [email protected].