Before you know it, more than 700 students will be on campus, the hustle and bustle breaking the silence of summer. Not that there hasn't been a flurry of activity this summer — what students will see is a campus that has undergone changes from one end to the other.   

Significant progress has been made at Taylor Hall in preparation for its full renovation, which is scheduled for completion by the end of summer 2027. Much of this summer's work focused on pre-construction and enabling projects that will help pave the way for that larger renovation, said Lance Hall, the director of the Physical Plant. Several utility upgrades were completed, windows were replaced, and construction began on the new dormitory addition. 

Taylor was built in 1914 and formed part of the original quadrangle of buildings on campus with Founders Hall, Howe Hall (formerly Mason Hall), and the dining hall. Taylor is named after John Metcalf Taylor, chair of the Board of Trustees from 1904 to 1918. 

The first day of classes is Wednesday, September 9, but athletes and students in various leadership positions arrive days before the start of school. Here’s what else they will see. 

Sellers Hall: A small addition was completed on the first floor, along with the creation of new outdoor space, improved ADA accessibility, and new landscaping. Sellers is home to the Admission Office.  

On the move: The Community Engagement Program has moved into the Richmond Art Center, where it will occupy the former auditorium space. Exterior-facing doors will provide direct access from the parking lot. The Writing Workshop is moving to the lower level of the Brush Library in the former community engagement space.  

Wilde Track: The track underwent a full replacement this summer. The project included the installation of a new base, followed by a completely new track surface over the asphalt base.  

Where's my food? To help streamline the growing number of campus deliveries, a designated Uber, DoorDash, and Grubhub drop-off area has been created in front of Olcott Gym on Batchelder Road. This centralized location will provide a more visible and convenient place for food deliveries. 

New roof: The roof on Erickson Gym was fully replaced this summer, providing an important long-term improvement to the facility. 

Harman Hall: An air-conditioning system was installed throughout the entire residence hall. This project was made possible through the generosity of the Reed Harman family. Reed Harman ’64 was a four-year student from West Hartford, Conn., who served on the Board of Trustees from 1984 to 1993. The gift had earlier provided for a new terrace area, renovations to the student and faculty bathrooms and the social room, and a connector (or “breezeway”) between Harman Hall and Carter Hall.  

Founders Hall: Several upgrades were also completed in the second-floor classrooms of Founders, refreshing and improving academic spaces. In the spring, a new lounge and mixed-use space was created at the west end of the Nee Room in Founders.