Dear AU Community, 

Creating campus spaces that support student thriving is an important component of our overall commitment to a great AU community experience. Today, I want to update you on an important project that will begin initial steps in the coming days and continue during the summer. Leonard Hall will be extensively renovated as part of the ongoing evolution of our residence halls. The extensive summer work will upgrade rooms, kitchens, and lounges, install POD-style restrooms designed to provide students with individual private spaces, and feature mechanical equipment improvements. The full modernization effort will begin on May 15, following the previous weekend’s commencement activities.

In order to be prepared for the renovation and to meet the planned reopening of Leonard Hall for the fall semester, we will begin limited preliminary external work on March 13 during Spring Break. We are focused on mitigating the impact of this initial work to the community and these preliminary efforts will only occur on the west side of Leonard Hall. The goal is to complete this work by the conclusion of Spring Break.

We are seeking to minimize the noise and disruption during the semester, but the initial work does include concrete demolition, which will at times be loud. Details of the preliminary work include:

• Demolition of the west side sidewalk, steps, and limestone wall areas adjacent to the north end lounge on March 13–14, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Preparation work associated with rebuilding the sidewalk and new wall areas on March 15–16, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Rebuild of the sidewalk, including concrete mixer deliveries, on March 17, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to make improvements to benefit our community.

Please contact vpft@american.edu, if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Bronté Burleigh-Jones
Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, and Treasurer