Phase two of the Residential College (ResCo) renovations resumed this summer, continuing the most extensive renovation the building has seen in its 35-year history. In summer 2022, the University completed renovations to the interior and exterior of the residential areas, including a complete renovation of the residence wings for updated finishes, new furniture, renovated student lounges, renovated bathrooms, and new windows in each student room. This summer, the University is updating ResCo’s dining hall, kitchen, and lobby.

Although work on the dining hall and serving area will be completed by the time students move into the residence hall in August, the kitchen will not be fully operational until January 2024. Temporary dining options (including a Pizza ATM) will be available to students and they will be able to enjoy meals in the seating area.

In addition to the dining renovations, Butler will renovate ResCo’s lobby/mezzanine and make improvements to the courtyard. The lobby renovations include a new mail/package pickup system, a renovated front office, and enhanced seating areas with game tables. The mezzanine above the lobby will also be completely renovated for additional study rooms, huddle rooms, and conference rooms allowing students to engage with one another in their studies. The ResCo courtyards (east and west) will be fully transformed. The east courtyard will be a passive space, lush with native landscaping. A crushed granite path will provide access to a berm perfect for lounging, as well as limestone seat walls for gathering. The west courtyard will be an active space with firepits and a dining patio covered in bistro lights. Hammock poles and outdoor games will provide a space for students to socialize and relax.

“Feedback from ResCo residents following the initial renovations last year was overwhelmingly positive,” Frank E. Ross, III, Vice President for Student Affairs, said. “I expect that they will be just as impressed by the renovations to the dining and common areas. These renovations will dramatically improve the campus experience for students.”

The remaining curtain walls (blue windows) that weren’t replaced last year will be replaced this summer, modernizing the building’s exterior. Behind the scenes, the entire building will receive a brand new ventilation system this fall with modern controls for ultimate student comfort and enhanced sustainability measures. Continuing behind the scenes, the kitchen renovation will include the addition of state-of-the-art equipment. While meal offerings will mostly remain unchanged, the dining area will see an increased grab-and-go section, including meals that can be heated outside of “hot meal” serving times. Longer hours will provide students on campus more opportunities to enjoy food options nearly around-the-clock. The dining hall will also boast a 24/7 Pizza ATM which will offer students hot, fresh pizzas any time of day or night. 

“By doing the renovation over two summers, we didn’t have to take ResCo offline,” Ross said. “Disruptions have been minimal and, once the outdoor spaces are complete and dining service is fully restored, ResCo will be a premier location on campus for students to live, dine, study, and socialize with friends.”