After months of declining comment about possible donors for the Smith Center athletic facility, the University announced this morning that they had secured a $10 million donation to renovate the 32 year-old building.

A news release sent out at about noon said that the donation represented the single largest gift ever given to the University. Some of the proposed renovations include new locker rooms, new seating areas, better training facilities, a redesigned pool room, and office space.

Check out this prior blog post that overviews Athletics Director Jack Kvancz’ reluctance to reveal information about a donor.

The donations came from the Charles E. Smith Foundation and Robert and Arlene Kogod. The Kogod’s, who are related to Charles E. Smith, have also donated generously throughout the District including the Smithsonian this fall.

The University will also raise an additional $15 million to support the renovation.

In the past the University said they could not renovate the space until they had a donor secured. Unlike residence halls, which are funded by debt and paid for by student payments, athletic and academic buildings will only be a financial burden if they have no donor.

Our staff will continue to report on this story throughout the day as more details are revealed.