Campus upgrades underway over summer

In addition to major renovations to the library terrace, new outdoor furniture and recreational spaces are in the works, as well as improved kitchens and living rooms in Western Shore dorms.

This rendering of the planned upgrades for the Miller Library Terrace shows how the area will be made more accessible.

While much of the Washington College community is off pursuing summer plans, campus has been busy with construction crews, space renovations, and upgrades to the amenities students will enjoy when they return in the fall. 

Here are updates on a number of projects underway, which will be completed and ready for student use before or during fall semester. 

Miller Library Terrace  

The project to create a bigger, more accessible library terrace is well under way. Washington College Director of Facilities Stan Yeakel and project manager Vic Costa are overseeing the project that will be completed later this fall.  

The new library terrace design includes two universally accessible routes to the terrace and library from Cater Walk and an improved ramp and stair connection toward Smith Hall. The reconfigured outdoor space will have two distinct, but connected spaces to accommodate a range of uses. The upper terrace will have defined seating areas for outdoor classrooms and quieter study spaces. The lower terrace will have an open layout with perimeter seating and tables and chairs to accommodate flexible student gatherings, working areas and social functions. Many of the existing trees around the terrace will remain and new native plantings will be installed to complement the beloved “woodland” character. A small seating area will be built in front of West Hall overlooking the campus green.  

The current goal for the construction timeline is to complete the demolition and noisy earthwork activities before students return in August. The construction of new walls, stairs and pavement will likely occur through September and new plantings will be installed from September through November. This schedule may change but the College is pushing to finish everything as soon as possible to ensure the least amount of disruption to faculty and students in the Fall 2023 semester.  

We are working to provide temporary access to Miller Library. Though the library's physical spaces are not accessible at this time, services housed in the library are still being provided remotely using Ask-a-Librarian, Zoom, email, or by appointment. You may pick up or drop off print materials from our Catalog and Interlibrary Loans on the first floor of Hodson Hall on Tuesdays from 11 am to Noon and on Thursdays from 1 to 2 pm. We will let you know when access to the building becomes available again. 

Residence Hall Upgrades 

The College’s investment in upgrades and renovations to residence halls continues this summer with new living room furniture and renovations to the new kitchens in the Western Shore dorms to improve the apartment-style living experience. The work on the kitchens is nearly completed and includes the addition of stoves and new appliances, counters, and floors. The living room furniture is due to arrive in mid-August. 

Recreational Facilities 

The College will be installing two beach volleyball courts by the river dorms and expects them to be ready at the beginning of fall. 

Equipment has been acquired for a disc golf course to be created around the back fields across the bridge from the stadium. The GIS program has helped to determine the best location for the baskets’ installation, and the project will be completed shortly after students return in the fall. 

Outdoor Spaces 

The Office of Residential Life has invested in creating new outdoor spaces by adding new and enhancing some of the furniture around campus. There is new outdoor seating for Cecil, Talbot, and Dorchester residence halls; new picnic tables around Minta, Morris, and the river dorms; and the previous teak seating has been returned to the Sassafras patio. 

New maroon Adirondack chairs and rockers will be added near Minta and the river dorms—thanks to the Student Government Association for help in paying for the new Adirondack chairs.