Updates on Community Spaces and the Little Building

Dear Emerson Community,

I am writing to update you on the progress and timeline for current construction projects on campus.

Space: 172 Tremont Street

Projected occupancy: May 2019

As the Berkeley Beacon & SGA documented in a video last month, work is progressing at 172 Tremont Street, with meeting spaces, student organization offices, an expanded Cultural Center, and Center for Spiritual Life substantially completed. Current work is focused on redesigning and replacing the building’s old elevator, which was not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Current projections show the building ready for occupancy in May, with plans for the space to be open to the general community use this summer. Community members should continue to use Spacebook to reserve space in Piano Row through May 4.

Space: Little Building residence hall

Projected occupancy: August 2019

The Little Building’s residential levels are on track to welcome a new class of Emersonians by orientation this summer. As we transition to a three-year residency requirement, all future first-year students will live in the LB.

Space: Little Building retail vendors

Projected occupancy: Summer 2019, with businesses opening Fall 2019

Plans are in the works to lease the six retail spaces on the first floor of the Little Building, most of which will be occupied by a variety of food vendors, and increase the dining options available in our neighborhood. Lease negotiations are ongoing and those vendors, who will be finalized later this spring, will likely move in this summer and open this fall.

Space: Student Performance Center

Projected occupancy: Mid-Spring 2020

A new and greatly expanded Student Performance Center, including the Cabaret, a black box theater, dressing rooms, a green room, two studios, three rehearsal room, a set construction space, and a lounge, will open in the lower level of the Little Building during the Spring 2020 semester. Until then, the Cabaret will remain at 52 Summer Street.

Space: Fitness Center

Projected Occupancy: Fall 2021

Construction on a new Fitness Center on the first and lower levels of Piano Row is anticipated to wrap up in Fall 2021. This means that the Fitness Center will remain at 52 Summer Street through the end of that semester.

I know we are all anxiously awaiting the completion of these major construction projects, and the Facilities Services staff is working diligently to finish them as quickly as possible. I join them in thanking you for your patience as we work to complete these ventures.

Each of these projects are done with the goal of providing facilities that will support a thriving living and learning environment, create intellectual and academic space, restore landmark facilities, and establish a greater sense of place for our community. I look forward to working with you all to bring these spaces to life.

Sincerely,
Jim Hoppe
Vice President & Dean of Campus Life