Extreme Makeover: University Edition

Returning students may notice that over their summer vacation Xavier's campus experienced a variety of changes. Namely, where the Dorothy Day House once stood now stands a completed six-floor residence and dining hall.

Other construction projects that took place this summer include work on Dana Avenue, renovation of the McDonald Library, construction on Ledgewood Avenue, construction on the Campus Services building and construction on the Academic Mall.

These various projects, according to the Physical Plant website, are progressing according to schedule.

Academic Mall

All of the hot and chilled water lines under the Academic Mall have been completed and all buildings on the mall are now served from the new Central Utility Plant. Demolition of the cooling tower on the Victory Parkway side of Lindner was started in mid-July. The new hot and chilled water lines that feed Gallagher are scheduled to be replaced over Christmas break.

McDonald Library

The three floors of the library have all been renovated. On the first floor, the circulation desk was moved and the classroom was redone. There are new offices and bookshelves and carpets have been installed. On the second and third floors, there is an improved visible connection to the Conaton Learning Commons, seating has been increased and the building was recarpeted.

Ledgewood Avenue

Ledgewood Avenue has been closed at the rotary, deferring traffic around the new residence hall. The rotary will circle around a statue of St. Francis Xavier and monumental steps will go down the north side of the rotary.

Dana Avenue

Progress was originally hindered by a wet spring, an addition of a 20 inch gas main and a lawsuit regarding how the property at Dana and Herald avenues was acquired. The ultimate goal is to widen the street at the north side of Dana Avenue. Originally, the project was to be completed by Thanksgiving, but due to the delays, the city is tentative about finishing the paving this year.