While many students were away for the summer, the RIT campus experienced a massive wave of construction. With more than 100 projects in active development during the summer break, construction efforts encompassed everything from dorm remodeling to academic side renovations and furniture installations.
Residential Refreshes Continue
Summer 2026 marks the fourth consecutive year of residential renovations. The renovations, which began in 2023, are expected to conclude by 2027.
This summer saw Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry Hall and Sol Heumann Hall undergo refreshes, resulting in new paint, carpeting, lighting, shower fixtures, ceilings, signage and bathroom upgrades. Carlton Gibson Hall, Helen Fish Hall A and Helen Fish Hall B, which were refreshed last year, had smart locks installed this break.
175 Jefferson Road was also renovated to create a space for the university’s upcoming occupational therapy program. The project is expected to conclude by this fall, according to Michael Dellefave, Director of Project/Construction Management & Off Campus Properties.
Academic Side Changes
The A-level of the College of Liberal Arts building received a makeover, with new paint, redone stairwells, flooring and ceiling work.
Climate control was another focus of the construction effort, with air-conditioning projects in active development in Booth and Gannett Halls. By the end of the year, air-conditioning should be fully operational in both buildings.
The Munson Quad, which lies south of the new Performing Arts Center, underwent landscaping work. The changes reflect a long-term plan to further pedestrianize the campus, according to James Yarrington, director of planning and design and university architect.
“One of the satisfactions of the last 20 years… has been seeing those pedestrian routes really developed and improved,” Yarrington said.
Classrooms across campus also received refreshes and new audio-visual equipment. These upgrades were implemented in the Center for Bioscience Education and Technology, the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science and Liberal Arts Hall.
For Dellefave, the detailed process of construction — from ideation and concept mapping to enlisting construction managers and building the facilities for students and staff to use — is fulfilling because it enriches campus life.
Dellefave particularly celebrated the completion of the RIT Research Building and the RIT Performing Arts Center this past year, noting how these buildings offer spaces for students and faculty to express themselves.
Regarding the new research building, Dellefave said, “That’s a big deal for the campus and our strive to increase the amount of research going on at RIT.”
During the school year, most construction projects will operate at a much smaller scale, consisting of the occasional classroom refresh and office and suite renovations.
Ultimately, Dellefave hopes students appreciate the new changes.
“I hope you enjoy the improvements we’ve made over the summer, and we’ll do it again next year.”
