Construction Update: Everything You Need to Know -

Construction near Hannan Hall. Courtesy of Christopher Vitale

By Christopher Vitale

Work being done on various construction projects has advanced since the closing of the 2019 Spring semester, and students are curious about the happenings of maintenance and construction as well as what to expect for the future of campus.

Students complain that the construction has forced them to find new ways to get to classes, particularly around fenced enclosures near Hannan, Caldwell, and Ward Halls.

Debra Nauta-Rodriguez, associate vice president for Facilities Planning and Management as well as University architect, shed some light on the activities occurring in these locations, sharing that these areas are under the influence of the Campus Energy and Water Main projects. These operations will serve to upgrade the piping and electricity connections between buildings, and installations have been moving from the south to the north of campus.

“The work in the area fenced off between McMahon, Caldwell and Ward will be complete in early October, after which the roadway will be repaved and reopened for pedestrian and vehicular use,” assured Nauta-Rodriguez. “The work in the area in front of Hannan will take a bit longer, likely into mid-November.”

Centennial Village residents should be made aware that construction will be progressing in their direction, as Magner House is scheduled to be demolished for the purpose of erecting the newly designed Dining Commons. This new dining hall will replace the functions of the Student Restaurant in the Pryzbyla Center, and it is anticipated that it will open in Fall 2021. This spells two years of construction in CV beginning this semester before the new dining hall will provide desperately needed seating area for students carrying meal plans.

Rumors have circulated about the fate of the large McMahon parking lot situated between Caldwell and Hannan Halls, and Nauta-Rodriguez has detailed the aims of the University’s 2012 Master Plan which calls for removal of the lot.

“Project goals include: create new, active open spaces for people to gather, improve our sustainability and environmental stewardship, reduce vehicles in the campus core, clarify circulation, and improve pedestrian connectivity and safety,” said Nauta-Rodriguez concerning the Master Plan’s recommendations for campus beautification.

The Catholic U community has already seen the early fruits of this effort on campus with the recent completion of the University Walk nestled between Pangborn and McCort-Ward/Gowan Halls. Elimination of the McMahon parking lot in favor of new green spaces, landscaping, and pedestrian walkways is one of the next endeavors on the list. A time frame for this project is not available, though the idea is presently in the design phase.

Another significant advancement to campus will take form in a new building for the School of Nursing made possible by a generous donation of $20 million from Bill and Joanne Conway this past summer. Nauta-Rodriguez stated that the University is interested in the area between Maloney and Father O’Connell Halls for the development of this new building.

Additionally, she expressed that activity may begin within the next few weeks in the parking lot in front of Opus Hall where a new Residence Hall project is in the works with projected completion in 2022.“We continue to appreciate the patience and understanding of the University community over the disruptions caused by our many construction projects,” said Nauta-Rodriguez.

Amidst all of these ambitious undertakings, it’s easy to get caught up in the temporary appearance and inconvenience of the work sites, but nevertheless, the advancements in development will upgrade the campus in terms of both beauty and functionality. The Catholic University community has a lot to look forward to.