Makeover of dorms and classrooms takes shape

Construction crews work on the façade of the Plex in July. Photo by Vincent Scarano

Housefellows and volunteers arriving to campus for orientation will be the first students to check out the transformation of Marshall and Hamilton residence halls later this month.

The Plex dorms, which have a new façade and interiors, were renovated by Konover Construction Co. of Farmington, Conn. this summer as phase one of a two–part construction project that is slated for completion next year. The company also managed renovations of four classrooms: Blaustein 203 and 212, Bill 307 and Cummings 307.

The dorms received new paint, floors, ceilings, lights and windows as well as a new roof and exterior walls. They are being outfitted with new furniture this week before students move in.

The four classrooms are 90 percent complete, according to Steve George, the College’s manager of planning, construction and design, and will be ready for use before classes begin on Aug. 31. Podiums housing AV equipment are arriving this week for installation, as is other electronic equipment like projection screens and DVD players.

While students are away next summer construction crews will install new internal mechanical systems, bathrooms and fixtures to finish the dorm renovations. A new set of classrooms will also be earmarked for upgrades.

The dorm renovations were approved by the Board of Trustees earlier this year. The dorm and classroom renovations are part of a long-range plan to improve campus facilities for students. Other upgrades this summer include improvements to the campus electrical system and seven new bathrooms in Smith-Burdick.

With leadership support from alumni, parents and friends, the College has raised more than $4.9 million of the $7 million needed for the Plex and for the planned classroom renovations.