Johnson C. Smith University Begins Demolition of Historic Liston Hall Dormitory

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in Charlotte, North Carolina, started tearing down Liston Hall, a 35,000‑square‑foot residence hall built in 1962. The demolition began on July 29‑30, 2026, after the building was deemed beyond repair.

Named for former president Dr. Hardy Liston, the dorm once housed up to 148 students and was a central part of campus life for more than six decades. University president Valarie Kinloch said the removal clears the way for a future "living‑learning community" that could include student housing, faculty spaces and community amenities, though specific plans remain undefined. The university is exploring ground‑lease options with developers to serve the surrounding neighborhood.

Alumni recalled personal memories of the hall, emphasizing its cultural significance within the HBCU tradition. While the demolition marks the end of an era, JCSU frames it as a step toward a "New Era of Excellence" for the institution.