Renovations on Campus

Phase 1 of the two-year, $12 million transformation of Thayer Dining Hall into the Class of 1953 Commons was completed this summer on schedule. Returning students didn’t see much difference between the old Thayer and the new Commons because the focus so far has been on infrastructure. Contractors have removed asbestos and overhauled the building’s plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems. Another shutdown of the facility next summer will bring more noticeable changes: One large dining area will replace the current configuration of three dining spaces. The seating capacity for the building will increase from 700 to 1,000. Meanwhile, progress continues on the Class of 1978 Life Sciences Center (above) and the Visual Arts Center. The Life Sciences Center’s sustainable design includes a stormwater management system that will reuse an estimated 1 million gallons of rainwater each year. Over at the Visual Arts Center site workers were still removing rock in mid-September, which created a minor setback to the construction schedule. One block away, completion of the new Six South Street Hotel (not owned by Dartmouth) has been delayed. Owners now anticipate a late January or early February opening.

Class of 1978 Life Sciences

Class of 1978 Life Sciences