Dear AU Community,

During American University’s upcoming summer break, progress will continue to be made on several capital projects throughout the campus.  Some of the projects were scheduled specifically during the break to minimize disruption to the community, as they will take place in high pedestrian and vehicular traffic areas. Those who remain on campus during the summer months may experience localized pedestrian and vehicular traffic redirection, possible construction noise disruption, and occasional service interruptions. Workers will make their best efforts to minimize any inconveniences.  Work will include:

New Construction Projects

• Jacobs Sound Wall – Construction of a sound attenuation barrier between Jacobs Field and the adjacent neighborhood. (May 15 – Aug 31)
• Panera – Construction of new Panera café in the Mary Graydon Center in the spaces occupied previously by Einstein Bros. Bagels and Paper Lantern. (May 15 – August 12) (No work scheduled 5/20 during WCL Graduation)

Major Repairs/Renovations

• Leonard Hall – Renovation of the residence hall and hardscape immediately surrounding the building. The roadways adjacent to the building will be impacted by transport vehicles for material removal and delivery. (May 15 – August 20)
• Tunnel – Construction of new Qdoba in the vacant retail space between UPS Store and Subway, and full renovation of Starbucks and Subway. At times, the sidewalks and roadways adjacent to these spaces will be busy with material delivery and contractor personnel. Egress and access will be maintained. (May 15 – August 12, 2023) (No work scheduled 5/20 during WCL Graduation)

Other Repairs/Renovation

• Mary Graydon Center – Replacement of first-floor ceiling tile and lighting. (June & July)
• McDowell Hall – Replacement of the building’s main sanitary line, including excavation at the rear of the building, will require use of the roadway between Leonard and McDowell for debris removal and delivery trucks. (May 15 – May 31)
• Glover Gate Paving – Replacement of roadway and sidewalks from the main entry to the flagpole area in front of Battelle-Tompkins will also impact the roadway and sidewalks leading past the POB entrance to the curb just before the main entry to McDowell Hall. (May 15 – July 12) 
• Bender Library – Replacement of rain leaders inside the library, including removal and replacement of some portions of ceilings and walls for access. Façade repairs also will take place around the building which may impede some pathways around the building temporarily. (May – August)
• Summer Painting – Repainting of roughly one quarter of the residence hall rooms and common areas. This effort will be run in coordination with Housing and UCGS. (May – August)
• Kreeger, Watkins, and East Quad Building – Roof replacement will take place, which may partially impact some areas directly around each building. These projects will occur sequentially, Kreeger (May), Watkins (May), EQB (June).
• Eagle’s Nest (vacated former location) – Renovation work to convert space for use as new location for Campus Store. Campus Store will be relocated from the third floor of Butler Pavilion by August. (April – August)
• Academic Support and Access Center (ASAC) – Renovation work to convert space for use as new location for consolidated ASAC services. Work is expected to begin in August. (August – December)

Major Departmental Moves

• Campus Store – Move of the Campus Store from the third floor of Butler Pavilion to the Tunnel in the location previously occupied by Eagle’s Nest is expected to take place by end of July.

Throughout the summer, we will send periodic university-wide emails and post Four Winds screen messages regarding specific construction-related news and information. Please contact Jonathan McCann for construction-related questions, Vin Harkins for renovation projects, or Michael Scher for dining or retail venue projects. We look forward to the continued improvement of our campus facilities in support of student thriving. 

Thank you.

Vincent Harkins 
Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management

Jonathan McCann 
Assistant Vice President, Planning & Project Management

Michael Scher
Assistant Vice President, Campus Auxiliary Services and Airlie