New Online Map Offers Updates on Summer Construction Projects

Renovation work on Stoddard Hall, which began in April and will continue through August, tops the list of construction projects that will take place at Smith this summer.

The back and side entrances to Stoddard will be closed during work on the project, and access to Stoddard between St. Mary’s church parking lot and Alumnae House will also be closed while the area serves as an active construction site.

Work on Stoddard will include replacement of approximately 118 windows, restoration of masonry and brickwork, and upgrades to the building’s air conditioning system.

Additional information can be found on a new “Project Update Map” posted on Facilities Management’s website. Visitors can click on a building or project name to find descriptions, updates about temporary building or road closures, and locate projects on a map of the entire campus.

Other major campus construction projects scheduled for the summer include:

• College Hall: Improving pedestrian safety at the intersection of West and Elm Streetsthrough installation of a retaining wall, a grass buffer and creation of a pedestrian plaza near the front lawn of College Hall. The work, which began in late May, will mean disruptions for pedestrians on the west side of Elm Street. The driveway between College Hall and the Brown Fine Arts Center will also be closed for much of the summer. The project also involves the temporary removal of the Grécourt Gates until early in the fall semester so the ironwork can be restored to historic standards.
• College Lane: Repaving of the lower section of College Lane will begin June 1. Plans call for repaving and replacement of storm sewers, curbing and speed bumps. Access to the Ainsworth Gym parking lot will be maintained during the project. Portions of lower College Lane will be closed for periods between June 1 and July 31. A three-day closure of the lower part of the lane will also be required towards the end of the project.
• Smith College Museum of Art: Creation of a new Asian art gallery to be named in honor of President Emerita Carol T. Christ. Work will also begin on a new digital art gallery at SCMA.
• Paradise Road: Construction work will continue on new student housing on Paradise Road. The five-building complex is expected to be completed in December, 2015. Progress can be tracked on a new webcam.
• Paradise Pond: Facilities Management is working with state regulators and Smith researchers to develop a new way of dredging the pond. Modified dredging operations, including a partial drawdown of the pond, will take place during the summer.

The new online map also contains information on smaller interior and exterior renovation projects that will occur over the summer in buildings across campus. Check the map early and often for updates.