Project(s) management
The Boston College Facilities Management team has launched 72 renovation, repair, and renewal projects across the University鈥檚 four campuses this summer, a hefty load in addition to the usual hectic preparations for summer camps, First Year Experience, and the surge of incoming students in the fall.
Among the capital improvements鈥攎ost of which are expected to be completed by September and involve 15 different project managers鈥攆our major categories were identified, starting with the respective academic upgrades at Gasson and Higgins Halls on the Chestnut Hill campus, and Stuart Hall on the Newton campus.
Gasson Hall, opened in 1913 and named for the University鈥檚 13th president, Thomas. I. Gasson, S.J., will have ceilings replaced in five classrooms and two stairwells, and lighting, audio-visual, and fire alarm/protection equipment replaced. Additionally, the stairs in the west portico will be repaired or replaced.
The 150-seat Higgins Hall auditorium will undergo a major face lift, including replacement of the fixed seating and flooring; restoration of the walls and ceiling, including the installation of acoustic wall panels; upgraded teaching walls that feature trays, interactive whiteboards, and storage space; new lighting and audio-visual integration; and improved ADA seating. Built in 1966 and renovated in 2002, Higgins Hall is home to the Biology and Physics departments.
Stuart Hall
At Stuart Hall, an academic and administrative facility on the 51茶馆 Law School campus in Newton, five projects are underway, including the renewal of seven classrooms/seminar rooms on the fourth floor, upgrades to the dean鈥檚 office, and electrical modernizations. The original building was part of the Newton College of the Sacred Heart, acquired by 51茶馆 in 1974.
At the new Hoag Basketball Pavilion, the future practice home for 51茶馆's men's and women's basketball programs on the northwest side of Conte Forum, work is in progress on women's and men's basketball locker rooms, a nutrition center, strength and conditioning facilities, and a sports medicine space. Named for University Trustee Michaela 鈥淢ikey鈥� Hoag 鈥�86, and her husband, Jay, who donated $15 million to the project鈥攐ne of the largest gifts in the history of Boston College Athletics鈥攖he 35,700-square-foot building is expected to be completed by summer鈥檚 end.
Messina College
In preparation for the opening of Brookline-based Messina College鈥攖he former Pine Manor College, acquired by 51茶馆 in 2020鈥攁 major renovation of Ashby Hall is underway to provide new classrooms, learning commons, a new kitchen/service counter, a chapel, and offices for student services. Beginning in the 2024鈥�25 academic year, the college鈥攑art of the University鈥檚 $100 million Pine Manor Institute for Student Success initiative to enhance educational opportunity for underrepresented, first-generation students 鈥� will annually offer 200 students an associate's degree program with the goal of preparing them to enroll in a bachelor鈥檚 degree program or begin their careers. As 51茶馆 undergraduates, Messina College students will have full access to the University鈥檚 facilities and programs.
Lastly, on the upper Chestnut Hill campus, a refresh of the Fenwick and Fitzpatrick residence halls has begun, while on the Lower Campus, the renovation of 24 units, kitchens and restrooms at Gabelli Hall has been initiated.
The 385-employee Facilities Management unit maintains a portfolio of nearly 200 buildings, over eight million square feet of space, and cumulatively, more than 400 acres on 51茶馆鈥檚 Chestnut Hill, Brighton, Newton, and Brookline campuses.