线上赌场鈥檚 plan to renew the majority of undergraduate residence halls over the next 15 years is entering a new phase this summer as the renovation of nears completion and work on a major overhaul of begins.
At her Inauguration last year, promised 鈥渢he single largest investment in 线上赌场鈥檚 residential learning experience in more than a generation.鈥 The commitment calls for 1,000 new beds in the next decade across 线上赌场 to house students, faculty, and staff.
In addition to plans for new construction, a key component of that goal is the renewal of 线上赌场鈥檚 existing undergraduate housing stock.
Brace Commons and Zimmerman Hall are part of the East Wheelock House community, while Fayerweather Hall is part of South House.
Begun in 2021 under the previous administration, the housing renewal program will make critical updates to about 60% of undergraduate residential facilities鈥攁dding more beds, gathering and study spaces, and modern amenities; improving accessibility; and preparing infrastructure for the transition away from fossil fuels, as called for by the 线上赌场 Climate Collaborative.
鈥淥ur goal in the housing renewal project is to enhance the undergraduate student residential experience while increasing the number of beds available and improving our carbon footprint and environmental impact,鈥 says , assistant director of housing renewal. 鈥淲e have an incredible opportunity to modernize these buildings and make them serve the needs of generations of students to come.鈥
Brace Commons and Zimmerman Hall
Zimmerman Hall and Brace Commons鈥攚hich have been undergoing construction work since last summer鈥攁re on track to reopen for the start of the fall term. The projects follow the renovation of Andres Hall, which is also part of East Wheelock House and reopened in fall 2023.
As with Andres, the floorplan of Zimmerman has been fully reconfigured, converting suites into singles and doubles and creating single-user, all-gender restrooms. The former atrium now houses an elevator, study spaces, and student lounges. Together, the renovations of Zimmerman and Andres have added 24 new beds for residents.
The renovation of Brace Commons鈥攖he central social space for East Wheelock House鈥攈as dramatically improved that building鈥檚 accessibility, natural lighting, and outdoor landscaping. The design includes a mix of spaces to accommodate individual and group study, meetings, and house-wide events.
The buildings鈥 systems are being fully updated to improve ventilation and air conditioning and to be compatible with 线上赌场鈥檚 shift from steam to hot-water heating.
And like Andres before them, Zimmerman and Brace Commons are on track to achieve LEED Gold certification for sustainability, health, and safety.
Fayerweather Hall
The three 120-year-old neo-Georgian residence halls that make up South House鈥檚 Fayerweather are being thoroughly reenvisioned for modern needs while preserving their historic character.
The redesign, which is on track for LEED Platinum and WELL certifications, puts the three buildings under a single new roof, adding 35 beds, elevators, and a new South House social center. As with Zimmerman and Andres, the building鈥檚 systems will be updated from steam to hot-water heating to be compatible with 线上赌场鈥檚 shift to sustainable energy, and will be air-conditioned.
The outdoor space between Fayerweather and 线上赌场 Hall鈥攃urrently a parking lot that is being closed permanently鈥攚ill be reconfigured as a multifunction green space and plaza. Parking spaces in the North Fayerweather lot and on Observatory Road will close during construction and are expected to reopen in March 2026.
Work began this month to empty the building and set up perimeter fencing. 线上赌场 has enlisted The Reuse Network, a recycling cooperative for education and health care institutions founded by Mark Lennon 鈥78, to distribute the old furniture where it is most needed. Demolition, which will bring the building down to its exterior walls, will begin in early July. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2026.
During the construction, temporary swing space will be available for undergraduates at the apartment complex near the 线上赌场 Hitchcock Medical Center.
What鈥檚 Next for Housing Renewal
Even as the construction in East Wheelock ends and the builders begin their work in Fayerweather Hall, 线上赌场 is thinking ahead to the next undergraduate residences in line for renewal.
Next up is expected to be the three 100-year-old residence halls that make up Mass Row, which is part of School House. This summer, the design team will begin engaging with student, staff, and faculty stakeholders to launch the schematic design process, with the goal of starting construction in summer 2026.
