Charleston, W.Va. – The University of Charleston held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Russell and Martha Wehrle Innovation Center Wednesday, April 22, at 12:15 p.m. in the Eddie King Gym. 

Featured speakers at the ceremony included Dr. Edwin Welch, President of UC, Dr. Henry Harmon, Chairman of the UC Board, Michael Wehrle, Fonda Elliot, UC Board Trustee Emeritus and donor to the Center, Dr. Bren Stevens, UC Athletic Director, Student Government Association Eli DesRocher, Charleston Mayor Danny Jones and Todd Corey of BBL Carlton, contractor for the Center. 

Construction for the Innovation Center is expected to begin in May with a completion date of fall 2016. 

The new Russell and Martha Wehrle Innovation Center will house both the long-awaited sports arena and a distinctive site for fostering innovation and entrepreneurialism among students, faculty and community residents. It will completely renovate the Eddie King Gym, the oldest facility on campus.    

The University announced in December 2014 that the new Innovation Center would honor the memory of Russell and Martha Wehrle, recognizing a gift of 5 million dollars from the Martha Gaines and Russell Wehrle Memorial Foundation.  

In February, UC held its last basketball games in the facility with a "Close the King" celebration.  

In April of this year, University of Charleston announced a $1 million gift from John and Fonda Elliot to support the innovation activities that will be anchored in the Russell and Martha Wehrle Innovation Center.  

In addition to the new building, a green space is planned for the front of the facility.