This fall, the newly renovated and restored Tower Court Residence Hall welcomed its 345 residents home to newly updated bathrooms and kitchenettes, new furniture in common spaces, new efficient and sustainable heating, and new accessibility features.

Tower Court is rich with College history, particularly in the aptly named Great Hall. So, special care was taken when approaching changes to that space. A conservation management plan outlined categories of architectural importance, which helped when considering changes, says Michelle Maheu, assistant vice president of facilities management and planning. “I’m most excited about the improved accessibility to Great Hall,” she adds. Every aspect of the renovated building has been considered—down to the “beautiful” detailing on the new accessible door in the center of Tower Court’s north wall, says Maheu. The renovation was made possible by a generous gift from Amabel Boyce James ’74.

Some parts of the renovation were ongoing when students returned this fall. The remainder of the dining hall renovation and the new elevator to the Great Hall are slated to be complete by the end of the fall semester. Two years of Claflin Hall renovations began this summer and will be followed by work in Lake House and the Hazard Quad.